Ex-Solomons PM could face questioning as the govt widens Rennell bauxite investigation

Former Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare could be questioned as part of a government investigation into controversial bauxite exports from Rennell Island.

The government says investigators are now reviewing records dating back to 2017.

The inquiry is looking into 33 shipments of bauxite exported from West Rennell between 2017 and 2019 during the previous Democratic Coalition Government led by Rick Houenipwela and later the Democratic Coalition for Advancement (DCA) Government under Sogavare.

The government has pushed back against Opposition claims that the investigation lacks transparency and credibility.

It said the inquiry was being carried out "professionally, impartially and within the ambits of the law".

In a statement, the government confirmed investigators from several agencies held their first formal meeting on 6 July to review documents already collected and identify more records needed for the investigation.

Officials have started examining documents dating back to 2017 and warn the process will take time because of the amount of material involved.

"The examination of records and documentation has commenced and is yet to be completed," the government statement read.

"The investigation goes back to 2017 and therefore requires diligent examination."

Rennell Island in Solomon Islands, where 33 bauxite shipments exported between 2017 and 2019 are now the subject of a Government investigation. Photo/wikipedia

The government also made clear that Sogavare and other former ministers and officials could be asked to explain decisions made during the period under investigation.

"The investigation may require the Leader of the Opposition and others who were in government at the material time to answer for what they did or did not know about the 33 shipments," the statement said.

The government’s latest statement came days after Sogavare himself had called for greater transparency around the investigation, saying Solomon Islanders deserved updates on its progress.

In a statement released on 7 July, Sogavare said the Opposition welcomed the investigation but wanted assurances the process would be independent and transparent.

“The Opposition welcomed the Government’s decision to investigate this matter because it concerns issues of public interest, public revenue and confidence in how our natural resources are managed,” Sogavare said.

“However, announcing an investigation is only the first step. If the Government is committed to accountability and transparency, Solomon Islanders should be kept informed about the progress of this important process.”

Watch Manasseh Sogavare's interview about the country's journey during the 48th independence anniversary of the Solomom Islands on 7 July 2026.

The Opposition had sought updates on whether records had been reviewed, whether officials and company representatives had been engaged, whether any unpaid royalties or fees had been identified, and the expected timeframe for completion.

The exports have become one of Solomon Islands' most politically sensitive mining controversies.

The shipments were allegedly exported without proper ministerial approval, raising questions over whether mining laws were breached and whether the country missed out on royalties, export duties and other payments.

The controversy adds to years of scrutiny over mining on Rennell Island. In 2019, the island was at the centre of one of Solomon Islands’ worst environmental disasters when the bulk carrier MV Solomon Trader ran aground at Kangava Bay while loading bauxite, spilling heavy fuel oil into waters near the East Rennell UNESCO World Heritage area.

But the government said it would not reveal whether investigators had already found evidence of unpaid taxes or royalties and argued that releasing such information could affect the inquiry.

It also declined to identify the officials and company representatives assisting the investigation. It added that the process must remain free from political interference and public pressure.

No completion date has been set.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s GREAT Coalition Government has made the Rennell bauxite investigation part of its wider push for greater accountability in the mining sector. Photo/X

"While setting a timeframe is important, the Government is cautious not to compromise the quality of the investigation simply to satisfy a random deadline," the statement said.

Prime Minister Matthew Wale's GREAT Coalition Government has made the Rennell investigation part of its its wider promise to strengthen accountability in the mining sector since taking office in June.

The government said the public would be updated once all the evidence had been gathered and assessed.

"We remain committed to accountability, transparency and the rule of law while ensuring the investigation proceeds free from political interference and public pressure," the government statement said.