[Published on Saturday, August 16, 2025]
BY CHRIS ALEX
The Solomon Islands marks a significant milestone in its economic development with the launch of the Gold Ridge Mine Processing Plant Expansion Project, a multi-billion-dollar initiative expected to dramatically boost the nation’s economy and bring widespread benefits to landowners and communities.
At a groundbreaking ceremony held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele hailed the expansion as “the beginning of a new chapter for the Gold Ridge mining project”, highlighting the transformative potential of the estimated SBD $6 billion investment.
The project will triple the mine’s processing capacity to 13.5 million tonnes per year, generating an estimated SBD $7.5 billion in annual revenue once fully operational.
Approximately SBD $2 billion annually to the Solomon Islands Government, around SBD $400 million per year in royalties and dividends for landowners and creation of over 1,200 direct jobs and 3,500 indirect jobs.
“This project aligns with our economic transformation agenda and will diversify our economy while creating thousands of opportunities for Solomon Islanders,” Prime Minister Manele stated.
He also reaffirms his government’s commitment to overhauling the mining sector through the upcoming Mineral Resources Bill, which aims to modernise regulatory framework, enhance transparency, and improve revenue-sharing mechanisms for landowners.
“Gold Ridge is a national asset, and it must be developed in a way that safeguards our environment, respects our people, and delivers lasting benefits,” Manele said.
He stressed that the project’s success relies on responsible development, strong governance, and close cooperation between the company, landowners, and all levels of government.
“This is about building a legacy. A legacy of capacity building, economic empowerment, and shared prosperity for all stakeholders from GRML to landowners and government entities alike,” he added.
As Solomon Islands steps into a new era of economic opportunity, the Gold Ridge expansion stands as a symbol of the nation’s ambition to chart a path of sustainable and inclusive growth.
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