A person involved in the mining industry says carrying out mining operations on Nendo Island in Temotu Province is not feasible.

The comments follow geochemical sampling results collected in 2025 by Santa Mining Ltd, which reportedly confirm there are no viable prospects for mining operations in Temotu Province, particularly on Nendo Island.

“The analytical data indicates that the mineral concentrations identified are not economically viable for commercial extraction.

“In other words, the grade and distribution of the sampled materials do not meet the technical or financial thresholds required for a Mining Lease application,” the insider said.

“Mining development depends heavily on favourable geological conditions, including sufficient mineral grade, volume and accessibility.

“The 2025 geochemical analysis demonstrates that these criteria have not been met in the surveyed areas of Nendo.

“As a result, there is no practical basis for any company to proceed with a Mining Lease application in the region,” the insider added.

Beyond the scientific findings, the source also pointed to environmental and social considerations.

“There is a strong commitment to safeguarding the environmental and social integrity of Nendo.

“I will continue to support and advocate for decisions that prioritise the long-term wellbeing of local communities and the protection of Temotu Province’s natural environment.

“Taken together, the technical evidence and community considerations provide a clear assurance: mining activity in Nendo is neither feasible nor supported under the current circumstances,” the insider said.

However, the insider acknowledged that there have been reports that several companies have shown interest in exploring for bauxite on Nendo Island.

Nendo, part of the Santa Cruz group of islands, drew international attention in 2017 following community protests against mining activities by Pacific Bauxite.

Demonstrators blocked roads with stones and allegedly confronted miners with bows and arrows in an effort to stop operations, citing environmental concerns.

Information at the time suggested Pacific Bauxite owned 50 percent of AU Capital Mining, the entity that won a licence in 2015 to prospect for bauxite on Nendo.

The Temotu Provincial Government granted a licence to the mining company after Members of the Provincial Assembly voted in David Maina as Premier, replacing Nelson Omar in late March 2017.

Landowners opposed the mining project, arguing it would cause environmental destruction and affect their land for future generations.

In 2018, five local activists — later referred to as the “Nende Five” — were arrested by police for allegedly burning logging machinery belonging to Xiang Lin SI Ltd.

In 2020, two of the accused were sentenced to prison while the remaining three were acquitted of the charges.