BY SAMIE WAIKORI
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has said the recent incident at Gold Ridge Mining has no implications on diplomatic relations between Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
Manele said this at a press conference last week, responding to a question whether the recent arson attacks on the Chinese mining company’s properties had any bearing on relations between the two countries.
On the night of January 20 disgruntled landowners allegedly set fire to more than 30 machines at the Gold Ridge Mine site.
Manele said he does not see any direct impact from the issue on SI–PRC relations, adding that the government views the matter from an investment perspective.
“I don’t see any direct impact or implications, although we know Chinese companies are operating at Gold Ridge. We look at it from an investment perspective,” he said.
Manele said the government welcomes the company’s decision to invest in reopening the nationally significant mining project.
He said the government’s focus is to ensure mining operations are carried out successfully and effectively, while also taking into account the concerns of resource owners.
The Prime Minister reiterated that he does not see any direct implications arising from the incident that would affect bilateral relations between the two countries.
“From an investment point of view, we welcome the company for the confidence they have shown in us.
“That is why they came and reopened Gold Ridge, where they have been operating for the past four or five years,” he said.
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