THE management of Gold Ridge Mining Limited [GRML] acknowledges the serious concerns raised by members of the public.
The concerns arised after a viral video on social media about the dam construction at Pit One within the company’s mining lease area that reportedly blocked the Chovohio and Charivunga rivers and caused rising water levels.
GRML understands that the video, which features a concerned resident from Turarana village, has generated significant public interest and emotional responses.
The individual alleges that both rivers have been obstructed, with water levels rising to a point where tall trees are nearly submerged—raising fears about the safety of nearby communities.
In response, a joint site visit was conducted the morning after the video surfaced.
The visit, attended by members of the company’s Community Relations Department and the Technical Team, confirmed that both rivers are currently blocked as part of an ongoing dam construction project.
They also confirmed that water levels in the area have risen and are visibly turbid, indicating sedimentation including a road is being constructed over the dam to support access to a new waste rock disposal site.
The company explained the dam was constructed as an urgent environmental response to long-standing concerns from communities downstream, who had raised repeated complaints about sediment-laden water affecting the Chovohio River.
A spillway is currently being built to manage rising water levels and ensure the safe discharge of excess water, thereby mitigating the risk of uncontrolled flooding.
The company recognized that the lack of prior consultation with the affected communities, particularly in Tausoro, Turarana and Mamasa, Leivatu, and other downstream communities has caused fear, frustration, and confusion.
It apologized and announced its commitment to improving the communication moving forward.
Meanwhile the company will conduct targeted awareness campaigns in Tausoro, Turarana, Mamasa, Leivatu, and other downstream communities to provide clarity and address concerns.
The Ministry of Environment, MMERE, and other regulatory bodies will be formally invited to inspect the dam site and review the project design to ensure full compliance with environmental and safety standards.
Source: GRML Statement