Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) Charity Fund this week paid out a total of $120, 000 in direct cash to 30 selected recipients.
Most of the lucky recipients included; the elderly, widows, other vulnerable people, and others facing hardship. They all each receive a direct cash support of $4,000.00 each.
The payment which was conducted on Tuesday 17th June completed another successful payout of the GRML Charity Fund to vulnerable individuals in the Gold Ridge catchment from Bemuta, Vasakiki, Doe and surrounding areas.
The payout was made possible through the support and generosity of Mr. Mingqing Gao, the Chairman of GRML Board and GRML CEO.
The event was hosted at Bemuta Village.
Speaking on behalf of the company, Mr. Benjamin Afuga provided a heartfelt reflection on the historical journey of the landowner company, Gold Ridge Community Investment Limited (GCIL), in its search for a genuine investment partner.
“The road to finding the right investor was not easy,” he said.
“We went through many challenges and hardships, but we persevered because we believe in the vision.
“There were many people who even doubted us and don’t think we will be able to reopen the mine.
“But with the trust and support of our tribal chiefs and landowners, we finally partnered with Wanguo Group in 2018 after Mr. Gao came onboard in 2017.”
Mr. Afuga highlighted that the partnership between GCIL and Wanguo not only brought mining back to life at Gold Ridge, but also empowered landowners with a voice in the company’s operations and decision-making.
He also emphasized that Mr. Gao, having observed the social dynamics of the communities, saw needs that were not captured under formal agreements.
As a result, he proposed and established the GRML Charity Fund to cater specifically for individuals who are often left out of benefit-sharing mechanisms—such as widows, elderly, disabled, and other underprivileged members of the community.
“This fund is Mr. Gao’s way of giving back in a personal and compassionate way. Today is just the beginning. More disbursements will come,” Afuga said. He congratulated the recipients, reminding them that they are not forgotten and that this initiative is a testament to GRML’s inclusive vision of development.
Chairman of the Gold Ridge Community and Landowners Council (GRCLC), Mr. Dick Douglas, also acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the fund.
“This is the first time an investor has gone out of their way to support our vulnerable individuals directly,” he said.
“Besides the infrastructure and community development taking place at Gold Ridge, this Charity Fund is an added benefit for those who would have otherwise missed out.”
One of the recipients, an elderly widow, Rose Olinga from Malaita but married to a landowner and lived at Bemuta for more than 30 years expressed her deep gratitude to Mr. Gao.
“He is truly God-sent,” she said with tears in her eyes.
“This money will help us, the forgotten ones. Many of us are old, and soon we will depart.
“But with this money, at least now, we can enjoy something in our final days.” She prayed that God continues to bless Mr. Gao and his family.
Chairman of the Charity Fund Committee, Chief Titus Soba, confirmed that today’s payment represents the payout of the 2024 disbursement.
He assured the community that the 2025 round of funding is in progress, and his committee will work closely with village chiefs and leaders to identify new eligible recipients.
He reiterated that a total of $500,000 has been set aside by Mr. Gao and his family each year starting 2024 for this initiative, which will benefit those within the Gold Ridge catchment communities who are most in need.
The next payout events are scheduled for Koku Village and Obo’obo Village.
So far, the GRML Charity Fund payout to the vulnerable people has received widespread praise from community leaders, women, and recipients alike.
Many acknowledge that this assistance goes beyond material support—it restores dignity, brings hope, and reflects GRML’s strong commitment to people-centered development.
GRML remains committed to ensuring that its operations not only generate economic benefits but also uplift the lives of those who are most vulnerable within its host communities.
– GRML
