The Solomon Islands has taken a major step toward transforming its economy with the launch of the Goldridge Mine Processing Plant Expansion Project, a multi-billion-dollar investment expected to boost national revenue, create thousands of jobs and deliver lasting benefits for landowners and communities.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Central Guadalcanal today, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele called the expansion “the beginning of a new chapter for the Goldridge mining project,” hailing it as a driver of economic diversification and growth.
The SBD $6 billion project will triple the mine’s processing capacity to 13.5 million tonnes a year. Once operational, it is expected to generate around SBD $7.5 billion annually, including approximately SBD $2 billion in government revenue, SBD $400 million in royalties and dividends for landowners, and more than 1,200 direct jobs with an additional 3,500 indirect positions.
“This project aligns with our economic transformation agenda and will diversify our economy while creating thousands of opportunities for Solomon Islanders,” Manele said.
The prime minister reaffirmed his government’s pledge to modernise the mining sector through the Mineral Resources Bill, currently before Parliament. “The new bill will modernise the regulatory framework for mining, strengthen governance, ensure transparency, and improve revenue-sharing mechanisms for landowners,” he said.
Manele also underscored the need for responsible development. “With opportunity comes responsibility. Goldridge is a national asset, and it must be developed in a way that safeguards our environment, respects our people, and delivers lasting benefits,” he said.
He urged strong partnerships and compliance among the company, landowners and all levels of government. “The growth and success of the project must translate into tangible benefits for all – capacity building, economic empowerment, and shared prosperity. The growth of the mine must also be reflected in the growth of its key stakeholders – landowners, the provincial government, and the national government,” he said.
“With opportunity comes responsibility,” the Prime Minister added. “Together, we are laying the foundation for a transformative legacy at Goldridge Mine – one that will benefit GRML, the landowners, and the people of Solomon Islands.”
Manele was guest of honour at the groundbreaking ceremony, joined by Cabinet members of the Government for National Unity and Transformation, including Deputy Prime Minister Frederick Kologeto.
