Government and police are urged to urgently step in and address the growing problem of illegal mining at Gold Ridge mine in central Guadalcanal.
Leader of the Independent Members of Parliament and Central Guadalcanal MP, Peter Shanel Agovaka, made the call in the wake of Monday’s disaster at the mine site.
“The continued expansion of illegal mining around the Gold Ridge mine site poses serious risks to public safety, law and order, environmental protection and the long-term interests of Solomon Islands’ mineral sector,” Agovaka said in a statement.
“It also undermines the rights and interests of customary landowners and threatens the integrity of the country’s mining industry,” he added.
“The situation at Gold Ridge has now reached a stage where decisive government intervention is required.”
A man, whom Gold Ridge Mining Ltd (GRML) said entered the mine site illegally last Sunday, was killed when a landslide occurred at pit 1 early Monday.
His body was retried from the debris on Tuesday and handed back to relatives for burial.
Police say recovery efforts are still continuing at pit 1.
Agovaka said he acknowledged the economic challenges facing many Solomon Islanders, including youth unemployment and limited livelihood opportunities, but said these issues could not justify unlawful activities.
He said the Gold Ridge issue must be given national priority.
The MP called for are:
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Immediate enforcement action against illegal mining activities;
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Strengthened security around the Gold Ridge mining lease and surrounding areas;
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Improved coordination between government agencies responsible for mining regulation and law enforcement;
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Greater engagement with customary landowners and communities to address underlying social and economic challenges; and
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Development of lawful livelihood opportunities while protecting the country’s mineral resources.
“Our mineral resources belong to the people of Solomon Islands and must be managed responsibly for the benefit of present and future generations,” Agovaka said.
“We cannot allow illegal activities to undermine our national development aspirations or damage the country’s international reputation.”
Agovaka said he’s prepared to work with Government and Police find practical and lasting solutions to the issue.
