The Government says it has commenced investigations into the controversial 33 shipments of bauxite.
Minister for Mines, Energy & Rural Electrification (MMERE), Derick Manuari said the Attorney General’s Chambers with support from the Mines Division are leading the process.
Attorney General Gabriel Suri, on Monday 1st June 2026, has written to the Director of Mines to initiate investigation into the 33 shipments of bauxite (minerals) by Asia Pacific Investment Development Ltd and Bintan Mining SI Ltd.
Minister Manuari said this signals a decisive move by the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability & Transformation (GREAT) coalition to restore integrity in the mineral sector.
The 33 shipments of bauxite was exported by Asia Pacific Investment Development (APID) Limited, through its subcontracted Bintan Mining Solomon Islands (BMSI), from its West Rennell operations between 2017 to 2019.
The Government, province and landowners lost around $8.6 million in royalties after APID’s mining lease was cancelled, and BMSI was later liquidated.
Royalties lost:
Solomon Islands Government: $4.3 million
Landowners: $3.4 million
Renbel Province: $864,558.62
Manuari said the Government’s decision to pursue the matter was grounded in law and reform.
“The GREAT Coalition is taking firm and necessary steps to overhaul a sector long plagued by weak oversight and lack of accountability,” the minister said.
“These reforms are about safeguarding national interests, strengthening transparency, and ensuring Solomon Islanders receive the full benefits from their natural resources,” he said.
Minister Manuari said many of the current challenges stem from years of inaction and lack of political will by previous governments to implement meaningful reforms.
“We are now doing the hard work that should have been done long ago and putting in place strong systems, tightening oversight and building a modern, accountable framework for managing our mineral resources,” he added.
Meanwhile, Manuari also said he has directed the Mines Directorate office to review responsible officials performance and capability ensuring that officials who don’t perform be disciplined appropriately.
The last government has failed to investigate the matter despite public-wide calls for such an investigation.
