Prime Minister Manele: Goldridge Expansion Marks a New Era for Solomon Islands
Wednesday 13 August 2025, Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Solomon Islands is entering a new era of economic opportunity as the Gold ridge Mine Processing Plant Expansion Project promises to deliver significant benefits for the nation’s economy, landowners, and communities.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony today, Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele described the Mine Processing Plant Expansion Project as “the beginning of a new chapter for the Gold ridge mining project,” noting that the investment of approximately SBD $6 billion will triple the mine’s processing capacity to 13.5 million tonnes per year.
Once fully operational, the expansion is expected to generate an estimated SBD $7.5 billion in annual revenue, including contributions of around SBD $2 billion each year to the Solomon Islands Government, approximately SBD $400 million in royalties and dividends to landowners, and the creation of more than 1,200 direct jobs and 3,500 indirect jobs.
“This project aligns with our economic transformation agenda and will diversify our economy while creating thousands of opportunities for Solomon Islanders,” the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Manele reaffirmed his government’s commitment to reforming the mining sector through the Mineral Resources Bill, now before Parliament.
“The new bill will modernise the regulatory framework for mining, strengthen governance, ensure transparency, and improve revenue-sharing mechanisms for landowners,” he said.
PM Manele presenting his statement.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the success of the Goldridge project must be matched by a commitment to responsible development.
“With opportunity comes responsibility. Goldridge is a national asset, and it must be developed in a way that safeguards our environment, respects our people, and delivers lasting benefits,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of strong partnerships and compliance between the company, landowners, and all levels of government.
“The growth and success of the project must translate into tangible benefits for all – capacity building, economic empowerment, and shared prosperity. The growth of the mine must also be reflected in the growth of its key stakeholders – landowners, the provincial government, and the national government,” he said.
“With opportunity comes responsibility,” the Prime Minister added.
“Together, we are laying the foundation for a transformative legacy at Goldridge Mine – one that will benefit GRML, the landowners, and the people of Solomon Islands.”
Invited guests and GRML reps.
The Prime Minister was guest of honour at this morning’s groundbreaking ceremony for the Mine Processing Plant Expansion Project at Goldridge.
Also in attendance were other Cabinet members of the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), including Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Frederick Kologeto.
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– OPMC PRESS SECRETARIAT