The Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) wishes to categorically refute and correct the misleading headline published on the front page of the Solomon Star Newspaper on 20 May 2025, titled “Grave Concern; Minister Manuari and Mines Director Krista were served letters for ignoring court process”, authored by Mr. Alfred Sasako.
The article wrongly suggests that the Hon. Minister for Mines and the Director of Mines have acted in contempt of an active court case involving Solomon Resources Limited. This is not only inaccurate but misrepresents the current legal status of the matter.
The facts are as follows:
The claim by Solomon Resources Ltd (HC CC 714/2021), referenced in the article, was dismissed by the High Court on 11th February 2025, following a Chapter 15 conference hearing.
No appeal was lodged by Solomon Resources Ltd within the timeframe stipulated under the Court of Appeal Rules.
Consequently, there is no active or pending case before the High Court relating to this matter. The legal process has run its course, and the matter is considered closed.
This has been confirmed by the Attorney General’s Chambers in an email to legal counsel for Solomon Resources Ltd. The correspondence, dated 19 May 2025, clearly states that:
“The High Court in its Ruling dismissed your Client’s claim. Following the High Court’s Ruling, your client failed to appeal within time required by the Court of Appeal Rules… The letter of 13 May 2025 is misleading… The allegations raised in the letter have no basis in law.”
It is therefore both disappointing and concerning that such a misleading narrative has been published on a national platform without proper verification.
The Ministry wishes to reassure the public that the rule of law is respected and upheld at all times. The Hon. Minister and Director of Mines have not received any valid legal notice requiring further action, nor have they disregarded any lawful court process.
We respectfully call upon the Solomon Star Newspaper to issue a correction and uphold journalistic integrity by ensuring balanced and factually accurate reporting, particularly on matters of public interest and legal consequence.
For further clarification, members of the media are encouraged to contact the Ministry or the Office of the Attorney General.
END.
-GCU
