by Ronald Toito’ona
Two shareholders of Wanguo International Mining Group Limited have donated SBD$1.5 million to the Gold Ridge Foundation to support community initiatives in Central Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.
The donation was handed over today, during a Chinese New Year 2026 luncheon at the Banquet hall of Gold Ridge Mining Limited, the mine operator majority-owned by Wanguo. Executive Chairman and CEO Mingqing Gao contributed SBD$1 million, while Executive Director Jinzhu Gao donated SBD$500,000.
Organisers said the funds were personal contributions rather than company financing.
Benjamin Afuga, Director of Gold Ridge Community Investments Limited (GCIL), said the donation reflected the shareholders’ personal commitment to community development.
“They have agreed to fund the foundation from their own pockets,” Afuga said.
“This money is not coming from the company , it is a personal contribution from the two shareholders to support communities.”
About 21 churches across Malango and Vulolo wards will benefit from the initiative, each expected to receive around SBD$50,000. Afuga added that Jinzhu Gao’s Christian background has influenced ongoing support for church activities since arriving in Solomon Islands.
The SBD$1.5 million donation was received by local community and landowning representatives.
The Gold Ridge Foundation, launched in June 2025 at Obo’obo Village, serves as a platform for long-term development in mine host communities. It focuses on assisting vulnerable groups and supporting scholarships, infrastructure upgrades, training, and small-scale enterprises. Earlier disbursements provided SBD$120,000 to 30 recipients, and the foundation has supported connectivity projects including solar power and Starlink satellite internet access.
Chairman of the Gold Ridge Community and Landowners Council Dick Douglas said the initiative would provide practical assistance for vulnerable residents.
“This initiative is purposely to help elderly people and those with disabilities, improving sanitation, providing wheelchairs, and supporting income-generating activities for those who cannot move around easily,” Douglas said.
He added, the program also strengthens ties between landowners and the mining company.
“This partnership will strengthen communities and landowners because it helps a wide range of people,” he said.
“It is not only about royalties, it strengthens the relationship between the company, landowners, and the people going forward.”
Douglas welcomed the personal contributions and urged other resource companies to follow similar approaches.
“As chairman, I want to thank Mr Gao and Ms Gao for funding this foundation from their own pocket. This is the first of its kind by a big company in Solomon Islands,” he said.
“I call upon other big companies to do the same for the people who own the resources.”
Supporters say the foundation reflects a people-centred development model aimed at ensuring mining revenues translate into tangible benefits for host communities and stronger engagement between investors and landowners.
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