Gold-buying outlets in Honiara remain open for business despite a three-month moratorium approved by the Cabinet last month.
The Ministry of Mines, Energy, and Rural Electrification (MMERE) imposed the moratorium in response to continued gold purchases from illegal miners at the Gold Ridge mining operation in Central Guadalcanal.
According to an officer from the Mines Division, the ministry has suspended the gold-buying licenses of these outlets.
However, the officer alleges that some gold-buying outlets continue their activities, supported by influential politicians in the government.
When contacted, MMERE’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Christopher Vehe, confirmed the Cabinet’s approval of the moratorium but declined to provide further details.
The Mines Division was compelled to act following complaints from Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML).
Walton Naezon, Chairman of Gold Ridge Community Investment Ltd (GCIL) and Director of GRML, expressed satisfaction with the government’s moratorium, stating that it aims to curb illegal mining on Gold Ridge.
The company initiated a pit-clearing exercise before COVID-19, with officials from MMERE, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), and Guadalcanal Province participating.
RSIPF officials have clearly communicated to illegal miners that Gold Ridge is legally leased to GRML and that unauthorized gold mining on the site constitutes a crime.
Despite this, illegal mining has reportedly persisted, fueled by the continued operation of gold buyers.
With the moratorium now in place, authorities hope the gold buyers, many of whom are foreign nationals, will comply with the restrictions.
By Eddie Osifelo
Solomon Star, Honiara
