by Ronald Toito’ona
Tribal and association leaders representing landowners and downstream communities connected to the Gold Ridge mine have issued a collective apology to Wanguo International Mining Group and Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) following recent unrest that saw mining machinery burned, while reaffirming their commitment to the project’s continuation and expansion.
The statements were delivered during a Chinese New Year 2026 gathering held on Tuesday, 17 February, at the Gold Ridge mining campsite, attended by community leaders, company representatives, and stakeholders.
Speakers, including tribal and association leaders, used the platform to confront the immediate fallout of the disturbances while reflecting on the broader importance of the Gold Ridge operation to local communities and the national economy.
Landowners Offer Solidarity and Apology
Chairman of the Gold Ridge Community and Landowners Council (GRCLC), Dick Douglas, said the landowning tribes remain united behind the mine’s operations despite the recent incidents.
“For us, the Gold Ridge Community and Landowners Council will continue to lend our support to GRML management in your operations,” Douglas said.
“The 16 tribes of Gold Ridge will stand united with you to continue your operations activity in the Gold Ridge mining until the mine will finish.”
He framed the support as both solidarity and assurance to the company, adding:
“We will be with you until when this operation ends… For your expansion program activities, the Gold Ridge landowners will also continue to support and pave the way forward in negotiating arrangements with landowners whose interests lie within the prospecting and mining lease areas.”
Douglas acknowledged that the community and project have faced difficulties, noting that challenges are an inevitable part of life and development.
“There is no easy life, there is no easy ride in this world, but we will face hiccups and challenges, problems and troubles in life,” he said, urging unity to pursue shared objectives within the mining industry.
He then formally apologised for the recent destruction of equipment.
“On behalf of the Gold Ridge landowners, the 16 tribes, I apologise for what has been done in the past three weeks… on the burning of the machines,” Douglas stated.
“… we will continue to support you. The people of Gold Ridge will give confidence to you… ensuring that you will discover our deposits,” Douglas said, assuring the shareholders of the Wanguo International Mining Group who were part of the event.
Downstream Communities Emphasise National Importance
Samson Maneka, Chairman of the Matepono Downstream Association (MDA), underscored the long-standing involvement of downstream communities in Gold Ridge affairs, despite not being landowners or royalty beneficiaries.
“MDA is located outside of the mining lease area… The communities of the MDA, they are non-landowners in this mining project,” he explained.
“But since 1997… we also signed a subsidiary agreement… dealing with Gold Ridge affairs, particularly environmental fears.”
Maneka stressed the project’s broader significance.
“MDA supported Gold Ridge ever since until today… because we recognise Gold Ridge as one of the very important projects in the country,” he said.
“It’s about the government’s interest… a project that will give revenue to the landowners, revenue to the national government, and returns to investors.”
While acknowledging ongoing concerns, including issues surrounding tailings storage facilities, the former Parliamentarian reiterated commitment to engagement rather than confrontation.
“Though there are always challenges, our leadership continues to strive… to work with the government and the management of Gold Ridge Mining Limited, to resolve issues,” he said.
He concluded with a pledge of continued backing:
“I would like to assure Mr. Mingqing Gao… that MDA executives, council members, and the people will continue to support this project… My support for this project will not change.”
KTDA Chief Rejects Allegations, Calls for Investigation
Chief Primo Amusaea, Chairman of the Kolobisi Tailings Dam Association (KTDA), also issued an apology and addressed rumours linking him to the recent unrest.
“I would also like to apologise for what happened about two to three weeks ago… it was a sad thing to note,” he said.
“There’s a lot of rumours that I’m the one who steered up the burning of the machines. I categorically deny that I’m not behind this evil action.”
He urged authorities to identify those responsible.
“I appeal… to prove who did that and get them to task. This is a national project… not for GRCLC, not for KTDA, not for MDA — it’s for Solomon Islands,” Amusaea said.
The chief highlighted contributions made by his community, including land allocated for infrastructure and tailings storage.
“Our tribe offers about 600 plus hectares of land… though we don’t receive royalty. But we continue to support the project,” he said, adding that infrastructure improvements such as roads and bridges demonstrate wider national benefits.
He called for unity and continued dialogue among communities, government, and the company, emphasising that criticism or dissent should not be mistaken for opposition to development.
Emerging Groups Voice Support
Representing the newly recognised Chovohio Mid-Stream Association (CMSA), Chairman Joel Jackson signalled alignment with other community bodies and the company.
“CMSA is new… but we are very supportive of this project and we will stand behind the GCIL and continue to be with you,” he said.
[ENDS]
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