GRML AND GOVERNMENT AGREE TO LIFT BAN
The Gold Ridge Mining premises. Photo credit: PMC.
Gold Ridge Mining Limited, GRML, and the Solomon Islands Government have agreed for GRML personnel to return to the Solomon Islands following the lifting of a government immigration ban, to enable a site assessment and a range of agreed site works to be undertaken.
Senior executives from the Company recently participated in a cultural reconciliation process with Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo.
GRML Director Tim Lehany says the government has established an Interim Working Group, IWG, comprising the Permanent Secretaries of key departments, representatives of landowner groups, senior government personnel and government advisors, to work directly with GRML to expedite government approvals and reporting processes.
He says a preliminary review of the Gold Ridge site indicates that key assets and infrastructure have been well secured by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.
However, a large number of illegal miners have returned to the mining areas.
The Company plans to conduct an agreed range of site works with a particular focus on lowering water levels in the tailings dam which had risen significantly during torrential rainfall in early April.
Director Lehany says the company will also continue to reduce holding costs and assess strategic options for the Gold Ridge Operation.