Union raises questions over Solomon Islands gold mining licence

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Updated March 23, 2009 10:59:22

The Solomon Islands National Union of Workers (SINUW) has serious concerns about the Director of Mines granting an alluvial gold mining licence to what they call a "highly questionable firm", Pheonix International. Tony Kagovai, General Secretary of the SINUW, is worried that gold mining attracts fortune hunters from around the world, and his mission is to protect his workers from interlopers out to get rich quick. Mr Kagovai says his investigations reveal that Pheonix International is headed by New Zealander Kelvyn Alps, a former member of the armed forces, who is alleged to have set up an organisation called New Zealand Armed Intervention Force. The union does not believe he has any background in mining.


Presenter Myra Mortensen

Speaker: General Secretary of the Solomon Island National Union of Workers Tony Kagovai

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