Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has admitted that the governmentís granting of Mining Leases for companies to mine the rich bauxite in Rennell Island was un-procedural and illegal.

Sogavare made the statement in Parliament Thursday this week when responding to demands from pressure group, Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII).

FSII demanded that all logging and mining operations on Rennell and Bellona Province cease forthwith pending further investigations including a Commission of Inquiry appointed by the Prime Minister.

ìThe Government agrees with FSII on this matter,î PM Sogavare said.

ìAs you would know the process which led to the granting of Mining Licenses to the Asia Pacific Investment Development Limited (APID) and its Mining contractor Bintan Mining SI Limited and its rival BT Mega Bintang Borneo Ltd was tainted with processes that were clearly un-procedural and illegal,î he added.

Sogavare said it has not been easy dealing with the issues because of the complications brought about by series of court cases initiated by all the Parties to the issue, including the Government.

ìBingtangís License was eventually cancelled but not APID who appealed against the show cause letter issued by the Minister [of Mines].

ìThere was nothing the Government could do legally to stop mining operation then,î he said.

He said following the suspension of the companyís Business License by the Renbel Provincial Government, the opportunity arise for the Government to enforce a stop mining order, which we did and is currently in force on the island.

ìThe illegal logging by the company there was also stopped and the disposal of the logs now under the supervision of the Commissioner of Forestry.î

The Prime Minister said a taskforce has been appointed to inquire on logging and mining operations not only in Renbel Province but also in Mono, Shortland Islands, Western Province.

ìThe work of this taskforce will be replicated to the wider Solomon Islands,î PM Sogavare said.