NO LETHAL FORCE USED AT GOLD RIDGE: HON. MANUARI
By Taromane Martin
The Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification says the Gold Ridge Mining Limited must do more to enhance security at the site.
Minister Derrick Manuari told parliament on Thursday during his statement to Parliament about recent security operations at the Gold Ridge Mine site.
The Minister said the government is fully aware of the illegal mining which persists within the Gold Ridge Mining List area, and that this concern is both legal, real and urgent.
“I would like to state, Mr. Speaker, that as we all know, the illegal mining involves all Solomon Islanders that are there involved in the activity.
“This influx is driven largely by delays in finalizing relocation arrangements, absence of sustainable livelihood alternatives and lack of enforcement of existing mining laws,” Manuari said.
On security at the mine site, Minister Manuari said security of a mining list area is the legal responsibility of the mining list holder, in this case Gold Ridge Mining Limited.
“This is an enshrined responsibility under the Mines and Minerals Act and affirmed by legal proceedings. The company has sole legal authority to enforce access controls and security operations. Nonetheless, the government is not turning a blind eye to the joint taskforce co-chaired by the Ministry of Mines and the Ministry of Police.”
He further clarified and reassured that no lethal force was used by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force during its recent operation at the Gold Rich Mining pits.
Contrary to public misinformation, he said the RSIPF conducted the operation under strict protocols and with full professionalism, deploying only less lethal munitions to manage the situation.
“The devices used were as follows: One nine-bang destruction device used for auditory and visual deterrence. One foam button round, a non-punctuative impact round and one thunder flash, employed for temporary crowd destruction and disorientation.
“I wish to reaffirm that no life rounds or lethal weapons were used, no bin bygrounds were discharged and no individuals were harmed due to the use of force. The government fully supports the RISPF’s under handling of the operation and demonstrates conduct of a disciplined, rightly respecting and law-abiding force committed to upholding public safety and the rule of law,” the Minister explained.
Meanwhile, Minister Manuari also assures that the government recognises the gravity of issues raised and will not shy away from its responsibilities.
“We are acting through the Joint Task Force, the newly established Cabinet Sub-Committee, community dialogues, cross-agency enforcements and structured implementation plans.”
“Let us work together to ensure that Gold Reef’s project is not a source of conflict, but a symbol of our national ability to manage our resources justly, responsibly and sustainably.”
[ENDS]