Win Win Investment Solomon Islands Ltd has been formally authorized to recommence its alluvial mining operations at Turarana in Central Guadalcanal.
This following a resolution of the Mines and Minerals Board on 14 November 2025 and the subsequent approval of the Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Hon. Derrick Manuarii.
The decision restores operational rights under the company’s existing mining licence, which remained valid throughout the suspension period.
The announcement was conveyed to Turarana landowners by World Bank Chief Resident Mining Advisor to MMERE, Sam Kaupa, during a customary chupu ceremony on 22 November 2025.
The company presented pigs, root crops, betel nuts and food items to reaffirm relations with the community. The ceremony marked reconciliation after disputes in April 2024 that led to the suspension of operations.
The suspension was originally imposed by former Minister Hon. Bradley Tovosia after Win Win Investment encroached into an adjacent prospecting licence area held by Gold Ridge Mining Limited.
This was in breach of Part 1, Section 2, Subsections 2–4 of the Mines and Minerals Act 1990.
Kaupa clarified that the suspension applied only to operational activities, not to the licence itself.
The lifting of the suspension is subject to strict compliance conditions set by the Board, including submission of an environmental and management plan within 30 days, resolution of outstanding Community Development Agreement issues within 60 days, monthly reporting of production and royalties, quarterly inspections by the Ministry, and automatic reactivation of the suspension if conditions are not met.
Community representative Joel Jackson welcomed the resumption but urged the company to strengthen agreements with landowners.
He noted that both the CDA and Surface Access Agreement had not adequately addressed community concerns.
Jackson further highlighted that the encroachment matter remains before the courts and called for constructive engagement to reach settlement.
Negotiations between landowners and the company are ongoing under the oversight of MMERE to ensure compliance with statutory obligations and equitable benefit-sharing.
