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by Charley Piringi “When a Prime Minister is simultaneously the regulator, the tax collector, and a timber merchant, state policy inevitably aligns with cartel profit margins.” Sir Francis Billy Hilly. Across the Pacific Islands, customary land ownership has long been seen as the ultimate constitutional shield for indigenous sovereignty. But…
The Government has pledged sweeping reforms to the country’s mining sector following the recent tragedy at Gold Ridge, declaring that Solomon Islands’ mineral wealth must benefit its people rather than leave communities bearing the costs. Deputy Prime Minister Francis Sade made the commitment while responding to concerns raised by Guadalcanal…
Gold Ridge Mining Ltd (GRML) says the person whose body was recovered from the debris this morning following Monday’s ground collapse entered the mine site illegally. Police identified the man as Ashley Olo from the nearby community of Mamasa in central Guadalcanal. His body has been handed back to relatives…
by Charley Piringi Prime Minister Matthew Wale has announced an ambitious regulatory overhaul of the Solomon Islands’ mineral sector, anchored by the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund to secure intergenerational wealth. The comprehensive reform package, which includes seven pending amendments to the Mineral Resources Bill, aims to completely restructure…
By Georgina Maka’a. Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) says its emergency response teams are working closely with police to manage the incident that occurred at the mine site early this morning. Several people, who are not employees of Gold Ridge, were reportedly buried following a ground collapse inside Pit 1…
by Georgina Maka’a Police are now at the Gold Ridge mine site as reports emerge that at least 10 bodies have been recovered after a ground collapse buried people inside Pit 1 early this morning. The incident occurred between 1am and 2am, an eyewitness told In-depth Solomons. “As I speak,…
The National Government has started compliance checks on all Gold Dealer Licence holders in the country, following the Prime Minister’s recent policy directive on gold dealing operations. The checks are being carried out by the Mines Division of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE). A statement from…
Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare has welcomed the Government’s update on its investigation into the controversial 33 unpaid bauxite shipments from West Rennell. Sogavare said the Opposition notes the Government’s confirmation that the examination of records has commenced, relevant authorities have been engaged, and the investigation remains active. “This is the…
The Government has defended the independence of its investigation into the controversial 33 bauxite shipments from Rennell Island, rejecting Opposition claims that the inquiry lacks transparency and credibility. In a statement, the Government said the investigation remains active and is being conducted “professionally, impartially and within the ambits of the…
The Government and Opposition have publicly welcomed investigations into the 33 controversial bauxite shipments from West Rennell, even as sharp differences emerge over how the probe should be conducted. The Ministry of Mines,Energy and Rural Electrification has endorsed Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare’s support for the investigation. Sogavare was Prime Minister…
