Australia's High Commission in the Solomon Islands has slammed the operators of a bauxite mine over an oil spill that could affect a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Key points: An estimated 60 tonnes of oil has spilled into a UNESCO heritage-listed site

An estimated 60 tonnes of oil has spilled into a UNESCO heritage-listed site Bad weather from Cyclone Oma delayed efforts to assess the impact of the spill

Bad weather from Cyclone Oma delayed efforts to assess the impact of the spill Mining company Bintan said specialists from Australia and the US would salvage the bulk carrier

Bulk carrier MV Solomon Trader ran aground on a reef on the remote island of Rennell in the south of the Solomon Islands in early February while attemtping to load bauxite from a nearby mine.

"Australia is extremely concerned at the scale of this disaster," High Commissioner Rod Brazier said.

"The impact of this oil spill will have a devastating effect on the surrounding environment, including potentially on a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the livelihood of the people of Rennell."

The spill is not contained, and bad weather from Cyclone Oma in early February prevented earlier attempts to assess the vessel and the damage to the environment.

An assessment by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority has estimated that 60 tonnes of oil has been spilled with a further 600 tonnes onboard the ship.

"We are very concerned about the circumstances that have led to this disaster. Our friends in the Pacific, including the Solomon Islands Government, do not tolerate reckless behaviour by companies."

A member of the local community, Derek Pongi, said there was concern about damage to fishing grounds.

"It's impossible to fish or swim in the sea," he said.

"The people rely on the sea but now it's all contaminated and polluted. Things are not looking good for my people."

The MV Solomon Trader ran aground on a reef at Lavangu Bay in East Rennell. ( ABC: Australian High Commission )

National Disaster Management Office director Loti Yates said the Government was holding the charterers, the ship's owners and their insurers, to account.

"The Government is very clear in the directive to the company to have the salvage done, remove the oil, cleaning up the environment and removing the wreck from Solomon Islands," Mr Yates said.

Indonesian mining company Bintan said specialists had been brought in from Australia and the US to salvage the bulk carrier.

"As a charterer only, we have done what we could to coordinate and assist the shipowner and their engaged professional salvage since the beginning of the accident. We will keep doing so," Bintan chief executive Fred Tang told the ABC.

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also released a statement suggesting travellers reconsider venturing to Rennell.

"Think seriously about whether you need to travel here due to the high level of risk," the message read.

"If you do travel, do your research and take a range of extra safety precautions, including having contingency plans. Check that your travel insurer will cover you."