[Published on Friday, August 15, 2025]
BY CHRIS ALEX
Illegal miners digging and panning in sites within the Gold Ridge tenement have been called on to leave.
In a strong appeal made during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Gold Ridge Mine Processing Plant Expansion Project on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Walton Naezon, Chairman of Gold Ridge Community Investment Limited (GCIL) and Director of Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML), called on illegal miners to vacate the Gold Ridge sites immediately.
Addressing chiefs, tribal leaders and dignitaries gathered at the ceremony, he said the Gold Ridge mining area is a legally granted site and unlawful mining activities must cease.
His message was directed to residents of Guadalcanal and individuals from other provinces who have entered the site without authorisation.
“To make this project successful, let me make this announcement clear.
“I repeat myself to the 17 tribes who own the Gold Ridge land, the chiefs of North Guadalcanal, and everyone surrounding please, as of today, ask your good people, your good Christian people, to leave their mining fields,” Naezon said.
He stressed on the cultural and spiritual significance behind the traditional offerings (chupu) that have been presented over the years in efforts to maintain peace and resolve land disputes.
“We presented almost 100 chupu before. That should be enough for you to respect our leaders when they ask you to stop this illegal practice,” he said.
Naezon issued a notice for all illegal miners to leave the site, adding that the support of community leaders, churches, and families is vital.
“This is a very important announcement, and I ask that it be taken seriously,” he said.
In a heartfelt plea, he asked church leaders and the Christian community to pray for those occupying the area illegally, to encourage them to return to their villages and communities.
“Where they are standing is not a good place for Christians. Go back to the village where the churches are there,” he urged.
Naezon also thanks the police and law enforcement officers for maintaining order around the mining site and reaffirms the importance of respecting the law and traditional leadership.
The Gold Ridge Mine is a significant project in the Solomon Islands, that aims to provide economic opportunities and community development.
Leaders hope that with the removal of illegal activities, the expansion project can proceed smoothly and benefit the rightful landowners and the nation at large.
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