Premier Atu calls for environmental accountability from Gold Ridge mining company
[Published on Friday, August 15, 2025]
BY CHRIS ALEX
Premier of Guadalcanal, William Atu has called on Gold Ridge mining company to be responsible for the environment as it carries out its extractive operation.
He made the call during a groundbreaking ceremony at the Gold Ridge Mining area on Wednesday, August 14, 2025 and emphasised on unity, transparency and long-term environmental responsibility in the renewed development of the gold mine.
Atu, an environment expert before entering politics, reaffirms Guadalcanal province’s commitment to the success of the Gold Ridge project.
He voiced that they must work together to build Gold Ridge into a successful project where landowners, communities, and all stakeholders are equally satisfied and benefit from shared commitments.
However, the Premier also raised serious concerns about the potential environmental impacts of the mining operation.
While acknowledging that the minerals belong to the government and people of Solomon Islands under national law, Atu warned that any mismanagement could have devastating long-term consequences for the people of Guadalcanal.
“If it’s not done right, we the province and the communities downstream will bear the consequences of the negative effects long after the mine’s lifetime.
“Despite the whole country benefiting, we here will live with the environmental impacts for generations,” he said.
Premier Atu highlighted specific environmental risks, particularly the possibility of heavy metal contamination in local rivers and streams, which could affect both livelihoods and marine ecosystems.
“Gold Ridge is located in the hills and ridges, and environmental damage must be addressed. Leakages of heavy metals will impact streams, rivers, and eventually the marine environments that sustain coastal villages,” he said.
The Premier calls on the government, the mining company, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and local communities to collaborate not only on economic development but also on ensuring environmental safeguards.
“We should work together to make Gold Ridge not just an economic heart of the province, but an environmentally safe area for future generations,” he said.
Premier Atu noted that he had been informed that the parent company in China maintains high environmental standards and urges the company to uphold the same practices in Solomon Islands.
He proposed the establishment of an independent annual environmental assessment, funded by the company, with reports made publicly available to stakeholders.
He further suggests the involvement of environmental science students from Solomon Islands National University in ongoing monitoring efforts to provide practical experience and build national capacity.
“We welcome this development, but the adverse effects concern us.
“Guadalcanal Province supports you as a major investor but we must also protect our environment and people,” he said.
Premier Atu also expressed appreciation to Gold Ridge landowners, the Solomon Islands Government, and the mining company for the financial benefits already received by the province, noting that fees and royalties have supported vital services and provincial revenue.
He reiterated his administration’s support under the theme “Together We Build Gold Ridge”, emphasising the importance of patience, perseverance, and partnership going forward.
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