“We’re building more than a mine – we’re building a legacy,” says Chairman Naezon
BY JOY OFASIA
Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) in Central Guadalcanal is on a promising path toward becoming a world-class, environmentally responsible gold mine, according to Mr. Walton Naezon, Chairman of Gold Ridge Community Investment Ltd (GCIL) and Director of GRML.
As GRML prepares to scale up operations, community members and stakeholders are watching closely — hopeful that Gold Ridge can become a shining example of responsible, inclusive, and world-class mining in the Pacific.
Speaking during a joint community awareness and media conference on 29th August 2025 in Honiara, Mr. Naezon reflected on the long journey of restoration since the mine was taken over by Wanguo Gold Group (WGG) in August 2018.
He said the transformation of Gold Ridge from a site of disrepair and legacy issues into a functioning, modern operation was not without challenges.
“We faced financial hurdles due to the country’s high sovereign risk rating, we dealt with unresolved legacy issues, and we navigated through the COVID-19 pandemic. But with the support of the Government and landowning communities, we pushed through,” said Mr. Naezon.
Since the takeover, GRML has complied with all legal and environmental frameworks under Mining Lease ML1/1997, the Mining Development Deed, and Exploration License PL05/22.
SBD 723 Million in Investment
With a cumulative investment of SBD 723 million by 2024, Mr. Naezon said the project has rapidly evolved. What was once a rundown and abandoned mine is now poised to become a high-potential, internationally recognised mining operation.
“We are looking to enter full-scale commercial production either later this year or early next year,” he stated. “With new proposals already being developed, our goal is to launch a new era of world-class mining in just a few years.”
Employment and Ownership
GRML currently employs close to 1,000 people, including three Chinese contracting companies working on various aspects of the operation. The ownership structure reflects a partnership between international investors and local communities: 90% is held by Wanguo Gold Group, while 10% is owned by community landowners through GCIL.
Mr. Naezon emphasised that the project is not just about gold, but about creating long-term opportunities for Solomon Islanders.
“We’re building more than a mine – we’re building a legacy for our people, our communities, and our country,” he said.
