THE Chief Executive Officer of Axiom Mining Company Limited says that the company’s ties with landowners and communities remain intact amidst all the challenges.

Mr Ryan Mount said Axiom has continued to remain steadfast in its approaches to sustainable development and at the same time continues to establish strong ties with customary landowners in Solomon Islands.

He stressed that the robust technical work undertaken over the past two years coupled with its commitment to transparency gives Axiom a competitive advantage in the permitting and subsequent development of world class deposit in Isabel.

“Despite the frustrations over the past years surrounding the complex litigation process during a global downturn in the resources industry, we have been able to maintain strong landowner and community relations in Solomon Islands.

“This combined with a solid operational base in Honiara which places us in an advantageous position for mineral development in the Solomon Islands.

“While 2016 was a challenging year for us, considering the circumstances I was satisfied with our performance,” Mr Mount said.

He stressed that Axiom has maintained its premium and unique position in Solomon Islands, recapitalised the business and got on with the job of developing a world class project.

Mr Mount said the company’s immediate goal is to secure the required permits for mine development of the Isabel Nickel Project and ensuring that the development will be free from any further disputes preventing the important development.

“We will continue to develop strong relationships with the communities within which we operate, paving the way for long term efficiencies, benefits and other opportunities in the Pacific region,” he added.

Mr Mount continues to say that Axiom is projecting an exciting year ahead as the nickel ore market in the Pacific is ripe for new sources of supply adding strategic partners remain firmly by their side.

He stressed that people on the ground both in the local communities and in company’s work force are very capable and motivated to bring the Isabel Project into production this year.

Mr Mount said Axiom has employed more than 150 Solomon Islanders in preparation for the development to implement necessary remote site infrastructure and logistical support.

He reiterated that the Court proceedings over the Isabel Nickel project that was launched by Sumitomo against the government, landowners and Axiom did prevent the development of the project.

But Mr Mount said the courts made clear their position and have been well scrutinised placing Axiom in a better position to develop Isabel Nickel project.

“While this was not the judgment we had hoped for, it has provided the direction we needed to continue to invest in the mineral-rich Solomon Islands and to provide to all stakeholders the benefits of such natural resources,” he said.

Mr Mount said Axiom has reapplied for a Prospecting Licence for the Kolosori Tenement.

He said Axiom remains optimistic about regaining the Kolosori Tenement Prospecting Licence.

“We look forward to keeping the landowners, government and key stakeholders informed on our next stages of growth and working in partnership with them,” Mr Mount said.