BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Questions have emerged over the operations of Solomon Sunshine Group Co. Ltd after company records indicated that the firm was de-registered on June 1, 2026, yet it continues to purchase gold from local sellers.
Documents obtained by this paper show that Solomon Sunshine Group Co. Ltd, which was legally registered on November 15, 2024, was removed from the company register earlier this month.
Despite its de-registration status, a company spokesperson, who requested anonymity, confirmed yesterday that the business is still actively purchasing gold.
“We have not yet received any letter from the Ministry of Mines. I think those that export are the ones whose licences will be closed. But yes, we are still buying gold,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that the company is currently buying gold at a rate of SBD$805 per gramme for quantities between one and 50 grammes, citing low international market prices.
The Government, led by Prime Minister Matthew Wale, has announced plans to phase out the current Gold Dealer Licence (GDL) system and introduce a new framework that aims to strengthen transparency, oversight, and national benefits from the country’s gold resources.
Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Derick Manuari, recently said in a statement that Cabinet has endorsed a reform programme that will transition away from the existing Gold Dealer Licensing framework.
Meanwhile, the National Government, through the Mines Division of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE), has begun a nationwide compliance verification process for all Gold Dealer Licence (GDL) holders following the Government’s policy direction on gold dealing operations, the Prime Minister’s Office said yesterday in a statement.
The exercise aligns with the Mines Division’s regular monitoring responsibilities under the Mines and Minerals Act (MMA). The division has already completed inspections of licensed operations and is taking steps to ensure all licence holders comply with legal requirements.
The compliance process includes reviewing monthly reports submitted by licence holders as required under Section 61(2) of the MMA. Where reports are missing or incomplete, mines inspectors conduct physical inspections to verify operational and regulatory compliance.
Of the 10 current GDL holders, six active operators in Guadalcanal have been inspected. Three licence holders were found to be inactive, while one provincial operator is yet to be assessed according to the statement.
It adds that any regulatory action affecting all licence holders will only be considered after inspections are completed and a full compliance assessment is finalised.
The inspections were conducted jointly with the Labour Division and Guadalcanal Province Enforcement Division.
Over the next two months, active licence holders with compliance deficiencies will receive formal notices and be given time to address concerns. Follow-up inspections will verify corrective actions. Operators who fail to respond to show-cause notices or rectify non-compliance may face cancellation of their Gold Dealer Licences under the Mines and Minerals Act.
The statement said all decisions will be based on verified facts, compliance outcomes, and legal requirements.
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