GRML AND STAKEHOLDERS URGE LANDOWNERS TO SUPPORT ONGOING REMOVAL OF ILLEGAL MINERS
Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) reminds all parties that GRML is the only entity legally authorized to operate and conduct mining activities within the Gold Ridge Mining Lease (01/1997) area under the Mines and Minerals Act and the terms of its Mining Lease.
Any person residing, occupying land, or conducting mining activities within the Mining Lease area without GRML’s authorization is in breach of the law. This includes landowners and outsiders who remain in the lease area without approval.
As part of ongoing efforts to restore order, GRML together with landowner chiefs presented 17 customary Chupus last Thursday to illegal miners, formally requesting them to vacate the pit peacefully. This traditional gesture demonstrates the commitment of landowners and GRML to resolve the situation in a respectful and lawful manner.
GRML, together with the Gold Ridge Community & Landowners Council (GRCLC), tribal chiefs, community leaders, the Government-appointed Gold Ridge Task Force, and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), is working to ensure a peaceful, coordinated, and lawful removal process.
In support of resolving the situation, Chairman of the GRCLC Dick Douglas said: “The Gold Ridge landowners are ready to fully support the SIG, GRML, and all development initiatives moving forward.”
Illegal mining is costing the company, landowners, the Guadalcanal Provincial Government, and the national Government an estimated over SBD 100 million per year in lost revenue, not including long-term environmental damage and risks to future employment opportunities.
GRML calls on all chiefs, tribal leaders, and landowners to:
– Comply with the law by vacating the Mining Lease area unless authorized by GRML.
– Support RSIPF, GRCLC and GRML Security during the removal exercise.
– Discourage the return of outsiders after they have been asked to leave.
– Promote peaceful compliance to avoid confrontation or conflict.
“This is a collective responsibility. Illegal occupation and mining threaten the future benefits landowners, Solomon Islands Government, Guadalcanal Province and the people of Solomon Islands should receive. We ask all leaders to stand with us, so we can restore order and protect the future of this project.”
GRML will continue engaging with GRCLC, Guadalcanal Province, MMERE, MECDM, RSIPF, and the Government Task Force as the removal exercise proceeds this week.
[ENDS]– GRML PRESS RELEASE