11 Jul 2019

A second environmental disaster for Solomon Islands

From , 3:03 pm on 11 July 2019

About 5,000 tonnes of the mineral bauxite has spilled into a bay in Solomon Islands where a bulk carrier ran aground earlier this year, spilling thousands of litres of oil.

The latest spill at Rennell, near a World Heritage Area, has locals suffering again, drawing renewed criticism of the extent of mining in the country.

Jamie Tahana reports.

The bauxite spill at Rennell, Solomon Islands, on July 1 dyed the sea red.

The bauxite spill at Rennell, Solomon Islands, on July 1 dyed the sea red. Photo: Supplied / Pedical Togamae