BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The recent burning of machinery and equipment at the Gold Ridge mining site in Central Guadalcanal has resulted in losses estimated at several million dollars.
Gold Ridge Community Investment Limited (GCIL) Chairman and Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) Director, Walton Naezon, told this paper yesterday [Jan 27] an exact figure is not yet available on the losses, but stressed that it is in the millions.
The incident occurred on the night of Tuesday, January 20, during which more than ten machines sustained damage.
Mr Naezon said that the total cost of the damage has been formally submitted to the National Government, though he declined to disclose the exact figure publicly.
“We have already made a statement to the government on the actual cost of the damaged machines. The loss amounts to a few million dollars,” Naezon said.
Despite the delay, Naezon confirmed that mining operations at Gold Ridge have resumed, with replacement machinery already on the way.
He said operations are continuing while the company awaits the arrival of new equipment, which is expected to restore full production capacity in the coming months.
“All divisions are now operating. New machines are on their way, and we expect to reach full production once they arrive,” he said.
Community members at Gold Ridge have linked the incident to growing frustration among some landowners over unresolved grievances and unfulfilled promises.
However, Naezon said investigations are ongoing and stressed that reconciliation efforts are underway with nearby settlements, some of which have denied involvement in the incident.
He said the company is working closely with the government to identify those responsible and determine the root cause of the violence.
“These are not Gold Ridge people alone. There is a mix of people with no cultural or land ties to the area who may be influencing local communities,” he said.
He added that following recent dialogue between the company, government officials, and the Landowners Council, agreements were reached with resolutions aimed at addressing concerns of the 17 tribes at Gold Ridge.
