Police have intervened to stop an illegal mining operation carried out by disgruntled landowner Willie Tara at Vurahomba in Central Guadalcanal.
Tara, frustrated over mining rights granted to Gold Ridge Mining, borrowed excavators from a friend in Rennell and Bellona to mine the tenement—despite not having a license from the Mines and Mineral Board.
Speaking to the Solomon Star, Tara said his actions were a form of protest against Gold Ridge Mining, which recently received a prospecting license from the board to operate on Mt. Vunusa.
“Gold Ridge Company has not negotiated with the rightful landowners before obtaining their prospecting license. I raised this issue multiple times during Council meetings, but the company never listened,” Tara stated.
In response, he decided to conduct his own mining operation using the borrowed excavators.
However, Dr. Chris Vehe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Energy, and Rural Electrification, confirmed that Tara’s actions were illegal since he had no license.
“Tara has also encroached on Gold Ridge’s tenement. The Mines Division has reported the matter to the police, who have since intervened to stop the operation,” Dr. Vehe said.
Meanwhile, Walton Naezon, Chairman of Gold Ridge Community Investment Limited (GCIL), condemned Tara’s actions as criminal.
“He has violated the law by conducting mining activities without a permit or license from the Mines and Mineral Board,” Naezon stated.
He said Tara should be arrested and dealt with accordingly by the authorities.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
