The Solomon Islands Government has ordered a stop to mining on Rennell Island, after a company disregarded the cancellation of its licence.
PT Mega Bintang Borneo Ltd was told to halt mining and remove all its equipment on December the 23rd, but according to the Solomon Star, is still operating.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Jeffrey Kauha, says it is a criminal offence and legal action will ensue if the company does not comply with the orders.
The newspaper reports the Solomons government has granted Asia Pacific Investment Development a lease to mine the bauxite deposit on Rennell.
PT Mega Bintang Borneo Ltd had its licence granted by the previous government, voted out in November.