The Gold Ridge Community and Landowners Council (GRCLC) has strongly condemned the burning of mining equipments on 20 January 2026, while reaffirming its full support for the continued operations of Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML).
In a statement issued on Saturday, GRCLC emphasized that the illegal actions of a few individuals do not reflect the position of the Council, which is the legitimate body representing the 16 landowning tribes of the Gold Ridge Mine.
GRCLC reiterated that it is a legal signatory to key agreements with GRML and the Solomon Islands Government (SIG), including the original agreement signed on 4 October 1996 and a subsidiary agreement dated 31 May 2006.
These agreements form the legal and customary foundation for mining operations at Gold Ridge.
Under these agreements, all parties acknowledged that:
- The Government would enter into a mining agreement with the company to undertake mining operations at Gold Ridge, Guadalcanal Province;
- The Gold Ridge Mining Project should proceed for the benefit of the people of Solomon Islands, particularly the landowners and communities of Gold Ridge and Guadalcanal;
- There is a shared responsibility to ensure the proper and sustainable development of the project; and
- The Government recognizes the needs, aspirations, and rights of landowners to receive a fair and equitable share of benefits derived from mining activities on their land.
GRCLC reaffirmed its position in support of these agreements and strongly condemned those responsible for the destruction of company property.
Chairman Dick Douglas stated that, as the recognized representative body of the landowners, GRCLC urges all members of the community to address any grievances through proper and lawful channels.
“Any landowner with concerns is encouraged to raise them through their tribal representatives or engage directly with the Company’s Community Relations Department. We must not resort to illegal actions or take the law into our own hands,” Mr. Douglas said.
He further acknowledged the positive working relationship that has been established between the current GRML operators, and key stakeholders, including Gold Ridge Community and Landowners Council [GRCLC], Kolobisi Tailings Dam Association [KTDA], Matepono Downstream Association [MDA], Chovohio Midstream Association [CMSA] churches, traditional leaders, women, youth, and the wider community.
Mr. Douglas also assured landowners that ongoing reviews of existing agreements are being pursued and called on the Government to expedite this process.
“These agreement reviews are critical to ensuring that the rights and expectations of landowners are respected, and to maintaining the company’s social licence to operate,” he added.
GRCLC concluded by reaffirming its commitment to lawful engagement, peaceful dialogue, and continued partnership in supporting the sustainable development of the Gold Ridge Mining Project.
