The Solomon Islands government says Axiom Mining Limited has discovered there is a lot more nickel at the Isabel Province site than previously thought.
The sun sets over the Port of Honiara in Solomon Islands. Photo: RNZI/Koroi Hawkins
The company's initial exploratory drilling has also found the nickel is of a high grade.
The prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, says it's a significant finding and brings Solomon Islands closer to much-needed economic recovery, following the closure of the Gold Ridge Mine.
Axiom is facing a legal bid by the Japanese mining giant Sumitomo over its ownership of the Isabel nickel deposit.