Wagina Island stands defiant as communities shut the door on bauxite mining

Wagina Island in Choiseul Province received reaffirmation from the villagers and residents’ opposition to the proposed bauxite mining. This firm rejection came after a consultation meeting which involved government representatives, the proposed mining company and land lawyers.

Nearly 100 per cent of the island's population, from seaweed farmer Para Tokananipiri and Wagina residents, have continuously protested, rejecting any type of mining project in the area. The latest consultation meeting took place in November 2025, which was attended by landowners, government officials, community members, lawyers and the representatives of Solomon Bauxite Limited (SBL).

To this, Mr Tokananipiri said, "Almost every landowner and resident on Wagina Island attended that meeting, and the message was clear,  the people do not want mining."

Additionally, he also commented that, irrespective of multiple indulgences in the past few years with the authorities, the community's decision has been unshaken.

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He further added, "Although the government has power, our cry has always been the same — no mining on our island."

The opposition by the residents, as explained by Mr Tokananipiri, for survival, heavily relies on the sea and marine resources. These marine resources are deemed to be the backbone of the local livelihood, food security and foster small-scale economic activities like seaweed farming and fishing.

On this, he stated, "If mining happens on Wagina Island, our people will suffer for the rest of their lives. When the government representatives, lawyers and the proposed mining company came in November last year, they were not welcomed by the community. As a result, there was no positive report they could take back after the meeting."

During a recent visit to Wagina Island, many sources highlighted that among many, the Sam Ling Sun Company showed major mining interest.

The dispute over the mining in Wagina Island can be traced back to 2013, when government approval was given to Solomon Bauxite Limited, which is directly linked to South West Pacific Bauxite, interested in developing an open-pit bauxite mine.

The proposal, according to the Environmental Defence Office (EDO), would create a direct impact on nearly 48 square kilometres or 60 per cent of the island's land area, which further requires forest clearance and residents' long-term evacuation. The island covers a total of 78 square kilometres. This is why the majority of residents protested, deeming the project would cause damage that is irreversible to the marine, rivers and the land.

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Currently, more than 3 thousand people residing on the island are engaged in the legal battle, showing distress towards the mining project, which has been running for more than 7 years now, starting from 2014.

Owing to the massive protest, the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) overturned the approval granted by the Ministry of Environment on the grounds that the company failed to gather community consent papers as well as issue residents with copies of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Despite Solomon Bauxite Limited having obtained the required mining lease, the firm would still be required to again apply for consent for development before any mining activities are further conducted. The proposed project would require an open-pit mine, airstrip, wharves, fuel storage facilities, power station and living space for almost 150 workers. This way, the island population would increase to 1 thousand, including the workers' family members.

In addition to this, the mining project would also require about 150 trucks to load bauxite daily for a time span of 16 to 20 years.

As per the media reports, the former Premier of Choiseul Province, Tongoua Tabe, had been removed from office after the no-confidence motion passed in March 2024 due to his stiff rejection of the mining in the province. The notion accused Mr Tabe of failing to act in the interest of the provincial government by rejecting engagement with foreign investors willing to do mining and logging projects.

After his removal, Harrison Pitakaka was then named as the new Premier of Choiseul Province later in March, 2024. Post this, Mr Tabe continued highlighting Choiseul Province not being ready for mining due to weak mining laws, which fail in providing the required protection to landowners, the environment and provincial governments.

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In contrast, the Opposition leader, Hon. Matthew Wale, had shown a strong urge to the government to suspend and halt active mining licences till a proper and comprehensive mining policy is drafted.

He, during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC), said that the government should halt issuing any new mining license, closing the existing ones where deemed necessary and reassess the terms on which the current mining industry is operating, which shall adhere to the best interest of the country as a whole.

He also warned that the government is showing weakness in supervising the current mining operations, providing an upper hand to the companies that are able to manipulate the system when the Solomon Islands is facing declining resources of its own.

To this, Mr Wale suggested establishing serious policy reforms, cautioning the government to take proper charge of the industry as the country is repeatedly being challenged with risks, which is worsening as the logging industry faces increased failures.

Additionally, his concerns also covered the current Minerals Bill, noting that, irrespective of genuine intentions, there are flaws, especially Clause 49, restricting government intervention.

While the government's interest rises for mining, Wagina Islanders stay true to their firm decision, which is no mining on their island.

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