Senior political leaders have raised serious concerns following the burning and destruction of machinery and equipment at the Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) mine site, warning that the incident reflects deeper unresolved grievances surrounding mining operations, landownership, and governance in the sector.
Member of Parliament for Central Honiara and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Gordon Darcy Lilo, described the incident as a “grave situation” that could have been avoided had there been sustained and meaningful dialogue between relevant authorities, the company, and landowners.
In a statement this week, Lilo said the destruction of machinery highlights long-standing frustrations among landowners and communities in Central Guadalcanal, while also raising concerns about external interests operating in the area.
“This is a grave situation that could have been avoided if relevant parties had maintained open dialogues with landowners regarding their grievances,” Lilo said.
He cautioned that the possible involvement of competing foreign companies seeking access to mineral tenements within the broader Gold Ridge area cannot be ignored, particularly in the absence of a clear and transparent regulatory framework.
Call to Halt Prospecting Licences
Lilo urged the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) and the Mining Board to immediately cease issuing consents and approvals to companies seeking prospecting licences.
He called for all new applications to be suspended while the government addresses outstanding policy and legislative gaps in the mining sector.
The Central Honiara MP stressed that reforms currently under discussion must prioritise transparency, accountability, and alignment with international best practice, including compliance with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
“This approach will ensure that the concerns of landowners and other stakeholders are addressed equitably and within the bounds of the law,” he said.
“The current operational status at Gold Ridge is untenable, and it is imperative that the government takes decisive action to rectify the situation transparently and responsibly.”
Opposition Condemns Violence, Urges Broader Investigation
Opposition Leader Matthew Wale also condemned the burning of GRML property, describing arson and wilful destruction as serious criminal offences that carry penalties including imprisonment.
While acknowledging that landowners may have long-standing grievances related to mining operations and land issues, Wale said violence and intimidation cannot be justified.
“There are avenues and laws available for dealing with such concerns. Resorting to violence and intimidation only worsens the situation by harming ordinary citizens, workers, and landowning communities who depend on stability for their livelihoods,” Wale said.
He urged the Government to treat the incident with urgency and conduct robust investigations that examine not only the criminal aspects of the incident but also the underlying issues that continue to fuel tensions around the Gold Ridge project.
According to Wale, the unrest sends a negative signal to potential investors and threatens confidence in the country’s mining sector.
“Our nation cannot afford actions that threaten peace, investment confidence, and social cohesion,” he said.
The Opposition Leader also called on the Government to engage openly with landowners and community leaders to restore trust, uphold justice, and prevent further escalation.
He appealed to all parties to remain calm and resolve disputes through lawful and peaceful means.
Prime Minister Calls for Calm and Dialogue
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has also weighed in, calling for calm, restraint, and mutual respect following the unrest at the mine site.
In a statement issued Thursday, the Prime Minister confirmed he was aware of the damage to machinery and said his immediate priority was community safety and preventing further escalation.
“As a nation, land is central to our identity and way of life. While property destruction is illegal, these actions reflect strong emotions and a desire to be heard,” Prime Minister Manele said.
He emphasised that solutions must be pursued through dialogue and cooperation within both the law and customary frameworks.
The Prime Minister appealed to GRML, chiefs, community leaders, and youth across Central Guadalcanal to maintain peace and allow space for discussions aimed at finding a sustainable path forward.
“We must come together to dialogue and seek solutions within law and custom,” he said, urging patience as efforts continue to restore stability and understanding.
Long-Standing Tensions Resurface
The incident has once again brought national attention to unresolved issues surrounding Gold Ridge, including landownership disputes, benefit-sharing arrangements, regulatory oversight, and community engagement.
Observers say the destruction of company property underscores the urgent need for meaningful reform in the mining sector, particularly at a time when the government is reviewing mining legislation and policies.
As investigations continue, political leaders from both sides of Parliament are united in their calls for calm, accountability, and transparent engagement—warning that failure to address the root causes of unrest risks further instability in one of the country’s most sensitive and contested resource projects.
