The Rabi Island Council has clarified that work on Banaba Island in Kiribati only involves exploration and not phosphate mining.
Council administrator Jacob Karutake clarified that approval has been granted to an Australian company to conduct exploratory work there, not mining.
Mr Karutake’s reaction follows the signing of a petition by Rabi islanders in Cakaudrove declaring their opposition to mining in Kiribati.
“I have not given any approval for mining. That is a complete lie,” Mr Karutake said from Tarawa on Kiribati on Thursday.
“It’s a lie and they continue to lie to the Banaban community.”
Mr Karutake referred his critics to a letter in which he outlined the exact nature of the project.
“Where in my letter did I state that I have approved of mining?
“Ask them to prove it as they have been highlighting that I have approved of mining.
“I had agreed only to the exploration of resources on Banaba, not mining. We haven’t come to that stage yet.
“It’s still a long process.”
Mr Karutake said exploration and mining were two different activities.
“A report will be provided after the exploration and presented to the landowners,” he said.
“There are processes to undertake, including the consent of landowners, which I support, and liaising with Kiribati Government before a decision to mine is made.”
In addition, Mr Karutake said if the results of the exploratory process were not viable “then the whole process stops there”.
“Let me repeat, this is an exploration not mining.
“The results of the exploration will be tabled to the landowners as they have the final say, not me.”
Mr Karutake will meet the Rabi island community on his return to Fiji.
“I informed the Banaban community on our RCL page, and many people are waiting for me,” he added.
