But locals have called for the agreement to be revoked, saying they were not consulted.
Mr Mencel said Centrex followed the correct process by seeking exploration approval through the island's administrative body, the Rabi Council of Leaders. "There's no proper representative governance mechanism to have these kinds of conversations. So it happened quite haphazardly," Professor Teaiwa said.Professor Teaiwa said the idea of exploration was triggering to Banabans because of the destructive history of mining on their island.About 80 per cent of the island's surface was stripped, leaving a landscape riddled with deep holes.
"My concern is that he has already signed a contract. It's a legal binding contract with the company," Mr Taratai said.Mr Mencel said there was still a long way to go before phosphate mining could recommence on Banaba.