The Ministries of Mines and Energy (MMERE) and Environment (MECDM) are jointly undertaking an independent environmental assessment of Gold Ridge Mining Limited’s (GRML) operations in Central Guadalcanal.
The assessment focuses on:
- Spill-over effects from the tailings dam
- Water quality
- Waste management and land rehabilitation compliance
Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Hon. Derrick Manu’ari, told Parliament last week that environmental oversight is a statutory requirement under the Environment Act 1998.
GRML is required to submit quarterly environmental and social performance reports for review by the Taskforce Secretariat.
“MECDM is reminded of its obligations under the law to take prompt action on all verified breaches,” Minister Manu’ari said.
Shareholder and governance concerns
The Minister also expressed concern that local shareholders have not received timely dividends or share certificates from Gold Ridge Community Investment Limited (GCIL). The Joint Taskforce has directed that:
- GCIL must convene its AGM to disclose shareholder structure and dividend policy.
- GRML must clarify the 10% local shareholding arrangement and legally issue share certificates to GRCLC, the recognised representative body.
- All future GCIL and GRCLC board appointments must comply with their constitutions to ensure transparency and community trust.
Mining Agreement review
Minister Manu’ari acknowledged delays in reviewing the Mining Agreement between GRML and the Solomon Islands Government. He clarified that:
- MMERE, the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the Attorney General’s Chambers are working with an expatriate legal consultant and the Chief Mines Advisor under the World Bank-funded Sustainable Mining Development Technical Assistance Project (SMDTAP).
- The review aligns with the forthcoming Mining Bill.
- Consultations will include landowning groups, especially GRCLC, KTDA, and MDA tribal trustees.
- The revised Agreement is targeted for completion by Q4 2025 to reflect current realities, safeguard national interests, and ensure community benefits.
Addressing unrest and illegal activity
To tackle the root causes of unrest and illegal mining, the Government and partners are:
- Facilitating micro-finance credit schemes for affected communities with MCILI and GRML
- Supporting education scholarships, water tanks, and food security programs through company social budgets and government allocations
- Recommending a Tax Credit Scheme to incentivise investment in local livelihoods
“Our priority is to ensure that Gold Ridge operations comply with environmental standards, deliver fair benefits to landowners, and contribute to long-term economic and community development,” Minister Manu’ari said.
