Japanese mining giant, Sumitomo, is appealing to the Solomon Islands Court of Appeal, over a judgement that gave a small Australian company, Axiom Mining, rights to prospect and develop a rich nickel deposit in Isabel Province.
The High Court judgement last month dismissed Sumitomo's earlier claim, allowing Axiom to re-start exploration activities on the deposit.
Axiom chief executive, Ryan Mount, says his company will not be deterred by the latest appeal, which is likely to be heard early next year.
