Commonwealth assists Solomon Islands to reopen Gold Ridge Mine

The Commonwealth Secretariat is assisting the Government of Solomon Islands to evaluate proposals by an Australian-based mining company for the reopening of the Gold Ridge Mine in Guadalcanal.

Gold Ridge was the first medium-scale mining operation in Solomon Islands, commencing production in 1998. Prior to its closure in 2000 due to civil unrest, the Gold Ridge Mine generated approximately 30 per cent of the country's gross domestic product.

"The reopening of the mine would provide an economic boost to the country. This would come directly from the royalties and income generated by mining, and indirectly from the services, infrastructure and secondary employment created by the resumption of mining operations," said Joshua Brien, a legal adviser in the Economic and Legal Section of the Secretariat.

Mr Brien, who is managing the project, explained that the Secretariat has been providing legal and technical assistance to Solomon Islands on a range of legal, economic, environmental and social issues associated with the reopening of the mine.

This has included the commissioning of an environmental and technical review of a proposal for the de-watering of a mine tailings dam, and a comprehensive review of the bankable feasibility study for the reopening of the mine which has been submitted to the government by the mining company.

"The reopening of the Gold Ridge Mine would mark a significant step in the economic recovery of Solomon Islands and will serve to increase confidence in the country by international investors," Mr Brien stated.

"The aim of this programme of assistance is to provide the best possible legal and technical advice to the government on important matters concerning the reopening of the mine, including environmental and social issues. We have also been seeking to enhance communication between the government, the mining company and local communities regarding the measures that are being taken towards the reopening of the mine."

Key Links:

• Country Profile: Solomon Islands
• Law