The Government has spent $4.2 million over the past six months to support the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in removing illegal miners from the Gold Ridge mining lease area in Central Guadalcanal.
Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Derrick Manu’ari, revealed this when he tabled a statement in Parliament on Thursday on the state of Gold Ridge, the Tina Hydro project, and the 33 bauxite shipments from Rennell and Bellona.
He said the program has successfully engaged with illegal miners, explained the legal implications of their actions, and developed a peaceful removal strategy.
This strategy is now being implemented by the RSIPF with continued Government backing, at an estimated cost of $0.7 million per month.
The program is expected to continue for another six to seven months.
“To date, an estimated $4.2 million has been spent, and costs are projected to reach $9 million if operations continue for the full 12-month period,” Minister Manu’ari said.
“I therefore urge all leaders and members of the public to refrain from politicising this matter.
“Let us instead support our national police as they continue to serve and protect our country with integrity and professionalism,” he added.
The Minister reminded Parliament that under the Mines and Minerals Act, and as affirmed by legal precedent, the security of a mining lease area is the legal responsibility of the lease holder—in this case, Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML).
“The company has the sole legal authority to enforce access controls and operational security,” he said.
Nonetheless, the Government is not standing by idly. Through a Joint Taskforce co-chaired by the Ministry of Mines and the Ministry of Police, a four-day strategic awareness program was conducted in March 2025 in collaboration with GRML management.
Minister Manu’ari said the unprecedented influx of people into the Gold Ridge lease area poses serious safety and operational risks. The main drivers of this influx include:
- Delays in finalising relocation arrangements.
- Absence of sustainable livelihood alternatives.
- Lack of enforcement of existing mining laws.
The Government is taking decisive action to address these issues:
- Relocation disputes over Koku and Bubulake lands are being mediated through the Office of the Attorney General and the Commissioner of Lands, with a recommendation to settle the SBD 6 million claim on Koku land out of court.
- Community infrastructure projects—including clinics, water supply systems, and roadworks—are being prioritised by GRML and the Gold Ridge Community and Landowners Council (GRCLC), with refurbishment works expected to be completed by September 2025.
