World Bank–MMERE Collaboration Highlighted at Business Forum

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Brisbane, Australia, Tuesday 18 November 2025 – The Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification highlighted its World Bank partnership at the 14th Australia–Solomon Islands Business Forum to strengthen mining sector transparency, governance, and investment.

Minister Hon. Derrick Rawcliffe Manuari delivered a keynote presentation outlining the Government’s commitment to building a modern, sustainable, and investor-ready mining industry.

During the session, “Opportunities in the Solomon Islands Resources Sector,” Minister Manuari outlined the Government’s commitment to strengthening institutional, legal, and governance frameworks, noting that Solomon Islands is at a turning point in resource development due to growing global demand for critical minerals.

A key initiative supporting these reforms is the Sustainable Mining Development Technical Assistance Project (SMDTAP), led by the World Bank in collaboration with MMERE and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury. SMDTAP is modernizing mining governance, enhancing regulatory and administrative systems, and establishing the foundation for responsible and transparent sector growth.

World Bank Senior Mining Specialist Dr. Wilfred Lus highlighted the Bank’s support in helping Solomon Islands leverage its resource potential in line with global best practices. He emphasized the need for modern geodata, predictable regulatory systems, benefit-sharing mechanisms, and integrated infrastructure planning to attract high-quality investment.

Minister Manuari also outlined the Government’s key reforms:

• Mineral Resources Bill (2025) – modernizing sector legislation;

• Mining Cadastre Administration System (MCAS) – enhancing licensing transparency;

• Re-engagement with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI);

• Strengthened Gender Equality & Social Inclusion (GESI) strategies;

• Minerals Development Master Plan – identifying critical mineral corridors for copper, nickel, and gold, incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.

  Both MMERE and the World Bank highlighted Solomon Islands’ significant geological potential, including substantial deposits of bauxite, gold, and nickel, positioning the country as a contributor to regional and global critical-minerals supply chains.

Dr. Lus outlined upcoming World Bank support, including assistance for mineral auctions, investment packaging, data-room preparation, and shared infrastructure development in copper and nickel-rich regions such as Guadalcanal, Isabel, and Choiseul. These initiatives aim to attract responsible investors, strengthen community benefits, and promote inclusive economic development.

The upcoming World Bank–Solomon Islands Government dialogue (1–4 December 2025, Honiara) will focus on advancing sector reforms, guiding investment, and preparing for future large-scale mining operations.

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