A customary chupu ceremony was staged to seal the deal
Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) has acknowledged the support of Matoba landowners following a customary chupu ceremony held at the Gold Ridge Mine Site in Central Guadalcanal earlier this month.
The ceremony, staged at Pit 4 on 11 March 2026, was led by the seven primary Matoba landowning tribes—Charana, Halisia, Kaokao, Roha, Soroboilo, Sutahuri/Uluna, and Vatuviti—and aimed at reaffirming customary land boundaries and promoting unity.
Secondary landowning groups, including Chacha, Salasivo, and Sobaha tribes, also participated alongside community representatives, neighbouring tribes, company officials, and police officers.
Paramount Chief of Suta, Ishmael Totu, said the ceremony was held to clearly define customary boundaries, particularly around Pit 3 and Pit 4.
He emphasized that Matoba landowners have legally granted access to their land through a Mining Lease to the Solomon Islands Government and GRML, and called for respect of both customary authority and legal arrangements.
Chief Totu also issued a strong message against unauthorised activities, urging individuals involved in illegal mining to vacate the area.
At the same time, he reaffirmed respect for neighbouring tribes, including Chacha and Koenihao, encouraging peaceful coexistence and cooperation.
Four chupu presentations were made during the ceremony to the Chacha Tribe, Koenihao Tribe, community members in Pit 3 and Pit 4, and GRML.
The chupu is a traditional gesture symbolising acknowledgement, respect, and reconciliation, often used to resolve disputes through customary practices.
Receiving the chupu on behalf of the Chacha Tribe, Chief Dick Douglas welcomed the gesture and stressed the importance of addressing land matters through the Gold Ridge Community and Landowners Council.
Representatives from the Koenihao tribe and local communities also expressed appreciation and called for continued dialogue among all parties.
GRML’s Government and Public Relations Manager, Ben Afuga, thanked the landowners for their leadership and commitment to peaceful engagement.
“The company welcomes and supports customary approaches to resolving issues. These processes help build confidence, reduce conflict, and strengthen cooperation,” Mr Afuga said.
He added that the company remains committed to working closely with landowners and communities through established platforms, promoting open dialogue and mutual understanding.
The ceremony reinforced support for lawful mining operations within the Gold Ridge Mining Lease and highlighted community-led efforts to discourage illegal mining.
GRML said the event sends a clear message on the importance of respecting both customary authority and national laws governing mining activities.
The company commended the leadership shown by Matoba, Chacha, and Koenihao tribes, noting the important role of customary processes in maintaining peace and resolving disputes.
GRML reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with landowners, communities, government, and other stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Gold Ridge Project.
Photo caption: The Matoba chupu ceremony represents a significant cultural initiative led by the landowners to reaffirm customary land boundaries and promote peaceful cooperation among tribes and communities connected to the Gold Ridge Project.
