Pacific Bauxite Ltd. said Aug. 4 that the government of the Solomon Islands granted prospecting license PL04/17, covering the South West New Georgia bauxite project, for up to seven years.

Australian Pacific Bauxite Pty. Ltd., a subsidiary of Pacific Bauxite's AU Capital Mining Pty. Ltd. joint venture with private Australian entities, secured the prospecting license for the property, previously known as the Noro project, for an initial period of three years. The license can be extended for additional two-year periods upon application.

The company also secured surface access agreements covering the license area, allowing for the immediate commencement of prospecting.