Opposition leader Matthew Wale led a delegation to Gold Ridge Mine on Thursday as part of his group’s ongoing nationwide public engagement initiative.
Wale underscored the importance of firsthand engagement in national leadership.
“Our public engagement efforts offer practical insights into how our country truly functions,” Wale said.
“As national leaders, it is essential that we understand the complex realities on the ground, and are informed by evidence, not assumptions,” he added.
“This, is turn, allows us to advocate for what is ultimately best for our people.”
During the site visit, the Opposition delegation held discussions with representatives of both the landowning communities and the mining company.
The engagements covered a broad range of issues, including the proposed new Minerals Bill, landowner interests, operational feasibility and sustainability, illegal mining, and pressing environmental concerns.
“These conversations are vital.
“Mining remains a significant part of our economy, but its impact on landowners, the environment, and national revenue must be transparent and responsibly managed.
“The role of good policy and principled leadership in this sector is therefore critical.”
The Opposition Group says it will continue its Guadalcanal outreach with further stakeholder consultations scheduled for next week.
Located in central Guadalcanal, Gold Ridge is the nation’s biggest mining operation.
Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML), the operator of the mine, is currently owned by a consortium comprising:
- Wanguo International Mining Group Limited (70% ownership)
- AXF Resources (20% ownership)
- Gold Ridge landowners, represented through Gold Ridge Community Investment Limited (GCIL) (10% ownership)
This ownership structure was established following the sale of the mine by Australian company St Barbara Limited in 2015.
St Barbara sold the mine to GCIL, a company controlled by local landowners, for a nominal sum of AUD 100, transferring all legal and environmental responsibilities to the new owners.
Subsequently, GCIL partnered with AXF Resources, an Australian-based company with Chinese ownership, to secure investment for the mine’s redevelopment.
AXF Resources later sold a majority stake to Wanguo International Mining Group, a Hong Kong-listed company, resulting in the current ownership distribution.
This partnership model, involving local landowners and foreign investors, has been highlighted as a potential blueprint for resource extraction projects in the Pacific region.
