12 Aug 2002

Concern in Solomons about the release of poisonous waste

12:45 pm on 12 August 2002

There is concern in Solomon Islands that a dam could burst on Guadalcanal and release poisonous waste from the Gold Ridge mine.

The dam's contents have not been recycled since the mine was closed three years ago because of the ethnic unrest in the area.

The government has been warned the dam could overflow soon and release cyanide into villages nearby.

Negotiations have been going on about possibly re-opening the mine and the government is reportedly hopeful that operations might get underway before the end of the year.

The company which owns the mine denies that there is any problem.