BY BEN BILUA

A surge of unregulated gold seekers at the Gold Ridge mine site is becoming an issue to licensed mining company legally endorsed to operate at the site.

Chief Walter Nazon has raised serious concerns about the situation, describing the influx as a “human drift” of people from all over the country pouring into the area with the hope of striking it rich.

He said, the chaos is taking a toll not only on the community but also on the formal mining sector as the situation contributes to the rise of other social issues.

“Gold Ridge is being invaded by people trying to pan gold for a living.

“This has never been experienced before,” Nazon said.

He said licensed miners who are supposed to operate under strict safety and environmental regulations are now forced to work alongside hundreds of unregulated individuals posing huge risk to human lives.

“This is a national project.

“The landowners and the government agreed on a lease of 36 years and we were given the right to be there as per our license,” Nazon said.

He further stated that the presence of foreign actors operating with locals is contributing to the issue.

Nazon alleged that there is a network of foreign businessmen operating through local buying agents at the site.

“Some of these businessmen are not licensed to buy gold, meaning these people breached our laws without consequences,” he said.

Nazon said his company has reached an agreement with the national government and now officers from the Royal Solomon Island Police Force are being deployed to manage the area.

He said people are slowing leaving the mining site with the help of the police.

Nazon acknowledges the government for its support towards the Gold Ridge National project.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]