Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) welcomed the New Year with a 10-minute fireworks display, signalling hope, unity and optimism for the future of the mining operation in Central Guadalcanal.
The celebration came despite the company facing ongoing challenges, including illegal mining activities, since resuming operations after its closure in 2014.
The New Year event coincided with Wanguo Gold Group, the majority shareholder of GRML, outlining plans to scale up operations at the Gold Ridge mine.
Founder and Chairman of Wanguo Gold Group, Gao Mingqing, said the company aims to take its operations to the next level in 2026.
Mr Gao made the remarks during the grand 2026 New Year Celebration Gala, titled “Wanguo Gold Ridge Night 2026”, held on 31 December 2025 at the Gold Ridge mine site.
The celebration, the first of its kind at the mine, reflected the company’s commitment to progress, unity and shared prosperity as it continues its journey of responsible mining and partnership with communities across Solomon Islands.
Looking ahead, Mr Gao described 2026 as a pivotal year for the company.
“We will seize opportunities, deepen our resource development and advance with resilience, because perseverance is in our DNA,” he said.
“In the new year, we will expand our vision, improve our core competitiveness and develop our foundation with a more pragmatic approach.
“Let the year ahead be a powerful motivation to move forward. The climb continues — not alone, but together. We will write new chapters through hard work, innovation and persistent effort,” Mr Gao said.
He added that Wanguo is committed to high-quality development and building a stronger future for the company and its partners.
“The tide is rising and we will set sail with courage and conviction, united towards a brighter future for Wanguo,” he said.
Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Bradley Tovosia, acknowledged the long journey of Gold Ridge mining and the challenges it has faced over the years, particularly illegal mining.
He thanked the Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Jimson Tanangada, for standing with police officers in addressing the issue.
Minister Tovosia assured Mr Gao of the Government’s full support and urged all parties to work together to achieve the aspirations of the Gold Ridge mining operation.
The evening featured a rich cultural and artistic programme blending Solomon Islands traditions with international performances.
Highlights included a traditional panpipe dance by Tafi Vaka from Tikopia, GRML staff cultural presentations, Chinese classical and folk performances such as Sichuan Opera “face-changing”, classical sleeve dance and Xinjiang folk dance, live band entertainment by Soele Notes Band, vocal solos and duets, magic shows and a grand finale chorus featuring performers and guests.
Among those who attended the celebration were Minister Jimson Tanangada and his Permanent Secretary Karen Qalokale, Minister for Public Service Francis Sade, Minister for Lands, Housing and Survey Jamie Vokia, Member of Parliament for East Central Guadalcanal Lazarus Alfred Rimah, a Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly member, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology David Hiba, and officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and Cabinet.
Gold Ridge mine holds an estimated 367 tonnes of gold resources and contributes about 20 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
The operation provides employment for more than 1,000 local workers and supports the development of surrounding services and agriculture.
GRML aims to expand its annual mining and processing capacity to 13.5 million tonnes, unlocking an estimated 330 tonnes of gold — nearly 10 per cent of global gold production.
The Gold Ridge mine was closed in April 2014 after severe flash flooding forced Australian miner St Barbara to shut down operations and later transfer ownership to landowner group Gold Ridge Community Investment Limited (GCIL) in 2015.
GCIL partnered with Wanguo International Mining Group Limited and AXF Group in 2018 to redevelop the mine. A relaunch ceremony was held in October 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays.
Heap leaching trial production began in 2021, followed by flotation test runs in late 2022. The official reopening ceremony in December 2022 marked the full resumption of operations.
Wanguo Gold Group currently holds a 90 per cent share in the mining operation, while Gold Ridge Community Investment Limited holds 10 per cent.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
