IN a strong and united stand, the traditional Chiefs and landowners of Bellona Island have formally declared their opposition to all forms of mining activity on the island.
The declaration was signed at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara on Sunday, 25th May 2025, marking a historic moment of resistance and cultural protection.
The declaration highlights the legal, cultural, and existential risks posed by proposed phosphate mining interests, warning that such development would irreversibly damage the island’s heritage and threaten the survival of its people.
Quoting from the declaration:
“We strongly believe that prospecting and mining in Bellona is illegal as it is prohibited under section 4 (2) (a) of the Mines and Minerals Act (Cap. 42) (as amended) because such activities would entail removing existing villages, places of burial, taboo and other sites of traditional significance, inhabited houses and buildings which is prohibited under that provision.”
The Chiefs emphasized that Bellona’s small landmass and cultural landscape are inseparable from its people’s identity and spiritual connection to the land. The document goes on to state:
“We strongly believe that if Bellona is mined, it will render the island uninhabitable and would force the relocation of the entire population of Bellona to another part of Solomon Islands and we categorically reject that possibility.”
Furthermore, the declaration firmly rejected any current or future application for prospecting or mining licenses, warning against underhanded or disguised attempts to initiate resource extraction:
“We oppose in the strongest terms any existing application for a prospecting licence or mining lease over Bellona or any other form of application that amounts to a disguised back-door approach to prospecting or mining in Bellona.”
The event was attended by senior members of Bellona’s tribal and landowning groups, legal representatives, and community advocates. They called on the national government to respect the provisions of the Mines and Minerals Act and to immediately reject all pending mining-related applications concerning Bellona.
The declaration will be submitted to the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, and the Office of the Prime Minister, with a call to reinforce legal protections and formally prohibit mining on Bellona Island through appropriate Cabinet regulations and parliamentary action.
This historic move follows growing community concern over recent interest shown by mining companies in Bellona’s phosphate deposits, which residents believe would threaten the island’s delicate environment, cultural heritage, and long-term habitability.
Source: Bellona LO Press Release