Solomon Islands awaits a more appropriate time to implement EITI

The country currently has limited activity in mining at this time and has decided to withdraw

The Solomon Islands withdrew from the EITI due to limited activities in the country’s extractive sector. In a letter addressed to the EITI Board, Solomon Islands’s Deputy Prime Minister for Finance and Treasury, Manasseh Sogavare, said that while the Solomon Islands government remains committed to implementing the Principles of EITI, their domestic situation has changed with only one small bauxite mine operating. He further said: “I can assure you that in the near future when we put in place our updated policies and legal framework that could accommodate EITI requirements, and when key mining operations in the country resume, we will consider reapplying for EITI candidacy.”

EITI Chair Fredrik Reinfeldt said:

“The Board accepts, with regret, the Solomon Islands’ decision to withdraw. This is a frank reflection of the economic realities in the country. We recognise the efforts by the government agencies in recent years to improve their disclosure practices, and the support of stakeholders that have participated in the process. Ultimately the EITI is not designed for countries with such little extractives activity. Should the outlook for the sector change, the Board would welcome a renewed collaboration with the Solomon Islands.”

The decision to withdraw came while the Solomon Islands is undergoing its second Validation to assess whether it has made progress in implementing the EITI Standard. After the first Validation, the country had shown progress in disclosing figures on production, exports, and direct subnational payments. The Solomon Islands started implementing the EITI in 2012.