by Ofani Eremae
Attorney General Gabriel Suri says he was not involved in the operational aspects of Asia Pacific Investment Development (APID)’s mining activities or the shipment of bauxite from West Rennell when he acted as the company’s lawyer.
Suri made the comments as he ordered the Director of Mines to disclose documents relating to the controversial 33 shipments of bauxite exported from West Rennell between 2017 and 2019.
APID, a Chinese-owned logging company, held the mining lease for West Rennell and contracted another Asian company, Bintan Mining Solomon Islands Ltd (BMSI), to carry out mining operations.
Before his appointment as Attorney General, Suri operated Suri’s Law Practice, a prominent law firm in Honiara.
He told In-Depth Solomons that he represented APID in defending its mining lease when it was challenged by landowners and later cancelled by former Mines Minister Bradley Tovosia.
Loading of bauxite ore in Luvugi, West Rennel, in 2020 for shipment. Credits: Charley. Piringi/IDS
“I also represented APID in its legal action against its contractor, Bintan Mining, over unpaid contractual monies, including royalties,” Suri explained.
“But I was not involved in operational matters, and I was not involved in any shipment, including the 33 shipments,” he added.
Suri’s previous association with APID became the subject of intense debate on social media after the Wale Government initiated investigations into the 33 shipments.
Some commentators argued that, as APID’s former lawyer, Suri should have knowledge of the disputed shipments.
However, Suri said that once the documents requested from the Director of Mines are received, they will be provided to the Solomon Islands Financial Intelligence Unit (SIFIU) for analysis to determine whether any money laundering occurred in relation to the 33 shipments and whether the Government can recover any proceeds of crime.
“SIFIU would then instruct the relevant authorities, such as the police, on the next course of action,” he said.
“What I know is that the exports were made by BMSI, the contractor. I also know that royalties were paid to the Lulughu Mining Council.
“Hence, SIFIU would be interested in interviewing members of the Lulughu Mining Council and the General Manager of BMSI, Fred Tang.
“BMSI was liquidated, but the same shareholders and directors later established NESI (Nickel Enterprises Solomon Islands), to whom the former minister issued a Prospecting Licence after cancelling APID’s mining lease.”
Bauxite stockpile in Lavangu, West Rennell, awaiting shipment in 2020. Credits: Charley Piringi/IDS
In a letter dated June 1, 2026, Suri wrote to the Director of Mines requesting full disclosure of the following documents:
Export permits issued in relation to the 33 shipments;
Consignment permits issued in relation to the 33 shipments;
Any memorandum of understanding (MOU) or agreement entered into by the Mines Division, Mines Board, or the Minister relating to the 33 shipments, whether with APID or BMSI;
Refinery assay reports relating to the 33 shipments;
Customs export documents relating to the 33 shipments;
All correspondence, including letters and emails, relating to the 33 shipments, including any legal advice provided by the Attorney General’s Chambers or external law firms; and
Any general or specific authority issued by the Central Bank of Solomon Islands relating to the 33 shipments.
Suri also requested a written explanation as to why the Mines Division continued to issue export and consignment permits when royalties had allegedly not been paid within 90 days, as required under Section 46(1) of the Mines and Minerals Act.
The Act states:
Lavangu camp, bauxite loading site, West Rennel in 2020. Credits: Charley Piringi/IDS
“Royalties shall be paid within ninety days after the end of each month on minerals obtained in that month.”
Suri said the Director of Mines has yet to provide all of the documents requested.
You must be logged in to post a comment.