The Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) has placed a strong emphasis on ensuring that the Gold Ridge Mining Limited’s (GRML) Processing Plant Expansion Project proceeds in full compliance with international best practices.
Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE), Derrick Rawcliff Manuari stated this in his address at the project’s groundbreaking ceremony last week at Gold Ridge Mining site.
“Government has placed strong emphasis on ensuring that this expansion proceeds in full compliance with international best practice,” he stated.
Manuari said the expansion is significant as it’s a USD684 million investment, an increase in the capacity to 13 million tons per anum, and an estimated mine life of 21 years.
“Such scale demands thorough review and rigorous oversight.
“This is why we are revitalizing the Gold Ridge task force. The task force will verify the viability of the expansion plan presented to the government, including commissioning an independent internationally recognized consulting firm to review the feasibility study.
“We will also ensure stakeholder engagement with landowners, communities, the provincial government, the GRML, and that all affairs are conducted openly, respectively, and in good faith,” Minister Manuari stated.
He added that the government will also oversee the legal and institutional processes, including the alignment of the mining lease agreement with the forthcoming new mining bill.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
