The Solomon Islands Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification has formalised a new chapter in scientific cooperation with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China Geological Survey (CGS).
The agreement was signed on 23 October 2025 in Tianjin, China by Solomon Islands Ambassador to China Barret Salato, on behalf of the Solomon Islands Government, and Xu Xueyi, Vice President of the China Geological Survey. The signing took place on the sidelines of the China Mining Conference, which ran from 23 to 25 October.
According to the Solomon Islands Ministry of Mines, the MoU provides a framework for strengthening collaboration in geoscientific research, data exchange, and capacity building. It will also support the Solomon Islands Geological Survey Division in upgrading its Geo-Chemical Laboratory — a crucial facility for analysing mineral samples and supporting the country’s growing resource sector.
The partnership is expected to foster joint research projects, staff training, and technology transfer, helping local geologists gain access to advanced tools and methodologies used in mineral exploration and earth sciences.
Director of the Geological Survey Division, Clinton Roga, welcomed the agreement, saying it represents a major opportunity for the Solomon Islands to improve its scientific and technical capacity. He noted that the collaboration would “enhance our ability to collect, analyse, and interpret geological data,” which in turn supports sustainable resource development and informed decision-making.
The Ministry said the partnership with the CGS aligns with the Solomon Islands Government’s commitment to responsible mineral development and knowledge-sharing across international scientific networks. According to the Ministry’s statement, the collaboration will not only strengthen institutional capacity but also contribute to national development goals by providing the country with more accurate geological information for planning and investment purposes.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by dignitaries from 15 countries and regional representatives, including officials from the Mineral Resources Authority of Papua New Guinea, highlighting the event’s regional significance and growing cooperation between Pacific and Asian geological agencies.
The China Mining Conference, where the MoU was signed, is among the world’s leading forums for discussing mining trends, geological research, and resource governance. The participation of the Solomon Islands delegation underscores the nation’s ongoing efforts to enhance partnerships and technical expertise in the mineral and energy sectors.
