The Solomon Islands government has granted a mining lease for the Pheonix International company to mine gold along the Sutakaiki and Balasuna Rivers in Central Guadalcanal.
The Director of Mines in the Ministry of Energy Mines and Rural Electrification, Peter Auga, yesterday announced the granting of the mining lease at a ceremony held between landowners, the company and government officials.
Mr Auga told the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation based on exploration findings the area has big gold deposits.
But he says in order for the landowners and the country as a whole to reap the benefits a mutual understanding and cooperation with the company is required.
Mining in the area is expected to start in July this year.
