Isabel Nickel Mine to be on International Tender

The Solomon Islands Government yesterday has announced that it will soon put to international tender the Nickel Mine in Isabel Province.
Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, David Day Pacha made the announcement during yesterday's reopening of the Gold Ridge Mine in Central Guadalcanal.

The announcement is testament of the CNURA government's strong commitment to expand the local mining industry as one of the major revenue earners when logging weakens in the next five years.

Tokyo-based Sumitomo Metal Mining has been exploring for nickel-ore deposits since 2006 on San Jorge and Takataka in Isabel Province.

"This is a sign of a growing mining industry in Solomon Islands," Minister Pacha said.

The reopening of the Gold Ridge mine and the ongoing nickel exploration in Isabel signals that Solomon Islands is back on track to develop its economy after years of ethnic tensions.

"This is good news for Solomon Islands because it sends a signal of confidence to stakeholders especially investors that Solomon Islands is now a good place for investment," said Minister Pacha.

In a 2008 tour of Isabel, Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua expressed strong backing to nickel exploration in the province.

At that time he said nickel investment is a potential investment opportunity for the people of Isabel and Solomon Islands at large.

Sumitomo Metal Mining is also expanding nickel explorations to Choiseul province starting last year.

Source: Solomon Times

Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeo Arrives in Solomon Islands

The Government and people of Solomon Islands welcomed Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeo who arrived in Honiara yesterday afternoon amidst tight security.
The Taiwanese President arrived in Honiara with a 90 strong delegation, including 39 Taiwanese journalists.

Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua and other senior leaders met President Ma on arrival at Henderson International Airport.

Later in the afternoon, President Ma paid a courtesy call on the Governor General, Sir Frank Kabui at Government House.

Following the talks, Ma attended a cultural and military display by ROC naval officers and cadets of Taiwan's national navy academy at a soccer stadium.

The stadium was packed with Solomon Islanders who turned out to see traditional Chinese lion and dragon dances, marching band performances, and a special form of boxing called Juchuan that was developed by the Taiwan military.

President Ma will today have a private audience and a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua. President Ma will also confer an Award to Dr. Sikua.

After engagements with the Prime Minister, President Ma will Address the National Parliament of Solomon Islands and present a Plaque in honor of the Taiwanese-funded extension of the National Parliament Complex Project.

President Ma will also visit a number of Taiwanese aid assistance around Honiara, this includes the National referral Hospital to witness the handing over of medical equipment and medicines worth more than US$1.5 million dollars by the visiting Taiwanese delegation from Kaohsiung Medical University Memorial Hospital of Taipei.

President Ma and his delegation will leave the Solomon Islands tomorrow.

source : Solomon times