by Charley Piringi
The GREAT Government, led by Prime Minister Matthew Wale, has extended consultations on the much-anticipated Mineral Resources Bill by two months, following recommendations from the Parliamentary Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) — a move welcomed by independent leaders amid mounting environmental concerns at major mining sites.
Addressing Parliament today, Prime Minister Wale confirmed that the government has paused the immediate tabling of the Bill to allow for a deeper review of seven specific amendments. The decision underscores the government’s commitment to building a robust regulatory framework for the country’s crucial, yet complex, mining sector.
“We have accepted the recommendations raised by the Bills and Legislation Committee for further consultation and proposed amendments to strengthen the regulatory framework,” Prime Minister Wale said. “We respect the Bills Committee and accepted it for further consultations for two months or so.”
To keep the process efficient, the upcoming consultations will not revisit the entire Bill from scratch. Instead, they will be strictly limited in scope, focusing exclusively on the seven identified areas requiring amendment.
Despite the two-month extension, the Prime Minister remains firm on passing the legislation before the end of the calendar year, so as not to stall the government’s broader economic agenda.
“Let’s get this done this year, so we can proceed with government business,” he urged.
Independent Group Leader and Central Guadalcanal MP Peter Shanel Angovaka welcomed the extension, adding that the extra time is essential to resolve critical environmental impacts on local communities.
Turning to his own constituency, Angovaka issued a direct plea to the Minister of Mines over ongoing operations at Gold Ridge and their downstream impacts.
“The Metapona River environmental issues are a great concern for the people, especially we resource owners,” Angovaka told Parliament.
He said there is an urgent need for greater transparency and better operational standards to protect communities living near major mining operations.
“Minister of Mines, I urge you to relook at the mining plans in Gold Ridge. They need a proper Mining Plan — they are only using the previous mining company’s plans. We landowners need to see a proper Mining Plan. The environmental concerns up there in Gold Ridge are not looking good,” he warned.
He also raised concerns over the Metapona River specifically, warning that outdated regulations leave resource owners and downstream communities vulnerable to environmental degradation.
“We thank the Prime Minister for further consultation on the Mineral Resources Bill,” Angovaka added. “The legislation must be thoroughly vetted before it becomes law.”
The Mineral Resources Bill is regarded as one of the most significant pieces of legislation for the country’s economic and environmental future, with the extended consultation period now set to test whether the government can balance its year-end deadline against calls for stronger community and environmental safeguards.
