BY TONY IROGA
More than 10 people have been reported missing following a major collapse of ground at the Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) site just after Sunday, midnight, police have confirmed.
Tetere Police told Island Sun last night that relatives have reported more than 10 people missing after the incident.
The missing individuals were believed to have been at the area that night, with some reportedly involved in marketing activities, consuming alcohol and remaining at the site before the tragedy occurred, police said.
Police officers who returned from the scene at around 7pm last night said no body has been recovered as search efforts continue.
“The collapsed ground is estimated to be between 20 and 30 metres deep and about 50 metres wide,” police said.
Police said the affected area remains out of bounds to the public due to the danger posed by the unstable ground.
“The site requires careful civil engineering assessment before excavation can begin safely. Recovering those believed to be buried under the debris will take time,” police said.
Police also confirmed that information received from relatives indicates the missing people are from Guadalcanal and other provinces.
Meanwhile, Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) says none of its employees were injured from the incident, adding that company machines and equipment were safe and accounted for.
The company in a statement yesterday said an identified staged slope movement occurred at the north-west edge of the non-operational section of Open Pit 1.
The company said that the affected area was not part of its active mining operations and that precautionary safety measures, including restricted access and exclusion zones, had already been established before the incident.
“Currently, no injuries, fatalities, or equipment damage have been confirmed. Mining operations and construction activities continue without disruption,” GRML said.
The GRML said it immediately activated its emergency response procedures by restricting access to the affected area, strengthening site security, maintaining the exclusion zone, and deploying technical teams to inspect and stabilise the site.
GRML said it is working closely with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and other relevant authorities to ensure the safety and stability of the area.
“Verified updates will be provided through official GRML communication channels,” the company said.
GRML added that the safety and wellbeing of its employees, contractors and surrounding communities remains its highest priority.
Police investigations and search operations continue.
Photo credit: GRML
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