by Georgina Maka’a
Tensions remain high at Gold Ridge mine site in central Guadalcanal after landowners burned down more than 30 company machines at around 10pm on Tuesday night.
A tribal chief In-Depth Solomons spoke to said landowners were unhappy with how they were treated by police officers stationed at the mine site.
“Over the past weeks, police have been checking and in some cases, seizing gold from landowners at the mine site,” the chief said.
“These are gold the landowners dug from the mining area. So these are personal property, not the company’s,” he stated.
Chinese mining firm Wanguo International Mining Group of China is the majority shareholder (70%) of Gold Ridge mine.
The remaining stakes were held by AXF Resources (Australia) [20%] and local landowners through Gold Ridge Community Investment Ltd (10%).
Machines burnt by landowners were those left overnight inside the mine pits. The company’s main plant and offices were unaffected.
An urgent stakeholder meeting, attended by politicians from Guadalcanal, was held at the mine site today to resolve the issue.
Those who attended told In-Depth Solomons GRML has agreed to address the landowners’ grievances, including why there is heavy police presence at the mine site even after illegal miners from other provinces have already left the mine site.
“Landowners felt the police have been disrespecting them by conducting searches on their bodies and their bags,” the tribal chief said.
But in a statement, police said the Tuesday night incident was caused by unknown people who are not happy with GRML for not addressing their long-outstanding issues.
Acting Police Commissioner Mathias Lenialu said investigators are now working to gather evidence and identify the individuals involved in this burning incident.
He appeals to parties involved in this matter to revisit and have a healthy dialogue to avoid such an incident.
“The importance of dialogue and understanding between the company and the affected individuals or groups to bring a more collaborative solution,” he said.
“By addressing grievances constructively, parties can work towards a resolution that benefits each and every one,” Lenialu added.
GRML tonight issued a statement saying their operations will continue despite the attack.
The statement said they are working closely with police and surrounding landowners over recent months to manage illegal mining activities within the mining lease area.
“Following last night’s attack, we are again partnering with RSIPF officers and landowner chiefs to investigate the root cause of the incident and identify those responsible,” the statement said.
The company said more than 10 machines sustained varying degrees of damage during the Tuesday night’s incident.
“At this stage, there is no immediate risk to surrounding communities.
“While a full investigation is ongoing, overall operations at the Gold Ridge Mine continue.
“Safety protocols have been reinforced, and additional monitoring measures are being implemented across the site.”
The statement added that leaders across Guadalcanal are proactively working with GRML to manage the situation. It confirmed today’s stakeholder meeting.
“These engagements are aimed at sharing verified information, promoting calm, and ensuring that communities understand the importance of cooperation and lawful processes while investigations are underway.
“GRML reiterates that strong, transparent, and consistent community engagement is essential to maintaining trust, stability, and long-term partnership.
“We remain committed to improving communication, addressing legitimate concerns through the appropriate channels, and working collaboratively with landowners, government authorities, and law enforcement agencies.”
GRML said it condemns all acts of violence, vandalism, and property destruction, as such actions endanger lives and undermine the shared goal of sustainable development and community benefit.
“We take this incident seriously. Our focus is on safety, cooperation with the police, and restoring stability while investigations continue.”
Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu today appealed for calm and urged those who take the law into their own hands to refrain from further destruction.
“Such unlawful actions will risk further divisions and undermine peaceful coexistence,” Atu said in a statement..
He urged all parties to resolve the issue in a way that safeguards “our communities, our environment, and the future of our Guadalcanal.”
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