Malaita Province supports any mineral exploration

The Malaita Province Minister for Planning and Economic Development, Edwin Suibaea has refuted recent media statements claiming that the provincial government had failed to assist a mining company to prospect for minerals in the province.

Mr Suibaea says the provincial government was approached some months ago by a mining company currently operating in the Western Province.

He says the company requested that the Malaita Provincial government provide a letter supporting an extension to its mineral exploration licence.

Mr Suibaea says the mining company has only recently approached the Provincial government for further discussions which hopefully will take place in the next few weeks.

He says the Malaita Provincial government supports any initiative which can lead to economic development in the province.

Mr Suibaea says more work needs to be done to confirm any mineral deposit in the province and whether it is commercially viable to exploit.

source: SIBC Online (http://www.sibconline.com.sb/main.asp)