When a mining company arrived on Wagina nearly a decade ago with a proposal to mine 60% of the island for bauxite, resistance was swift and resolute. Then, in 2013, Solomon Bauxite Limited – a mining company owned by two Hong Kong-listed companies – was granted a permit for an open-cast mine on Wagina. And Solomon Islands is close – 10 days by sea – to China, the world’s largest bauxite importer. This year a group of eight villagers – calling themselves the Maungatabu, or “council of elders” – reportedly signed a memorandum of understanding with Solomon Bauxite for mining to proceed. William Kadi, vice-president of the Solomon Islands Environmental Law Association, has steered the people of Wagina’s legal battle.

Source: The Guardian June 06, 2021 20:00 UTC