Police in Solomon Islands are warning anti-mining groups in Temotu Province not to set up road blocks or throw objects at vehicles on public roads.
Photo: RNZ/Koroi Hawkins
This comes after an incident last week when representatives of an overseas mining company called on police to help take down a barricade on a road leading up to their proposed prospecting site.
In a statement the Temotu police superintendent James Toaki warned protesting groups that such behaviour was illegal and anyone caught would be fined and could face up to three months imprisonment.
Mr Toaki said the incident was disappointing given a memorandum of understanding had been signed between the mining company and leaders of both pro and anti mining groups in the province.
He urged disgruntled landowners to pursue legal means to challenge the miner's claim.