A charity fund dedicated to supporting disadvantaged members of the Gold Ridge communities in Central Guadalcanal has been officially established.
Dubbed as a historic and heartfelt gesture, Mr. Mingqing Gao, Acting CEO of Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) and Chairman of the GRML Board officially established the scheme.
Mr. Gao, who is also a key figure in Wanguo International Mining Group—GRML’s major shareholder—announced the initiative during a formal handover ceremony on Friday.
Wanguo Group, listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange with a market capitalization of HK$14.3 billion, has a significant global presence, with Mr. Gao’s Victor Soar Investment holding major shares, and Ms. Jinzhu Gao’s Achieve Ample Investments Ltd as another large shareholder.
During the ceremony, Mr. Gao shared his inspirational journey, recounting his early years as a soldier before transitioning into the Chinese public service. Rising to senior management roles overseeing approximately 10,000 employees, he eventually took a bold step into the business world—facing initial criticism and financial hardships but persevering with determination and vision.
“In the early days, I had no money to start a business, so I turned to a friend who lend me funds based on trust,” Mr. Gao recalled.
“The first few years were extremely challenging, but I was determined to push forward. I bought land, built properties, and gradually gained recognition. This was back in 1994.”
His journey led him to the Solomon Islands in 2016, following an invitation from the local landowner company, Guadalcanal Community Investment Limited (GCIL).
Upon visiting the Gold Ridge Mine site for the first time, he saw the potential in the project.
Mr. Gao recalled: “At that time, the main office building was in a dilapidated state, having been ransacked two years earlier after the departure of the previous operator, St Barbara.
“Undeterred, I lived, cooked, and worked in the rundown building—determined to revive the mine for the benefit of local communities and the country”.
Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Gao expressed deep satisfaction in the progress and achievements made despite numerous challenges.
He thanked the Chiefs and landowners for giving him trust and the support and call on them to support him fulfill his plans to make Gold Ridge Mine a world class mine.
“Bear with us, we will take all risks as we work on a 3 years plan to reaching an annual 15-ton production mine”, adding, “we need your support”, he told the members of the Gold Ridge Community and Landowners Association.
Established by the two individual shareholders of Wanguo gold Group, the Gold Ridge Charity Fund will provide annual financial assistance to support disadvantaged individuals and related projects within the Gold Ridge communities.
Importantly, this initiative is separate from the community development benefits outlined in the Mining Development Agreements, which are currently under review.
Instead, the charity fund represents a personal commitment by the two individual shareholders, reinforcing their vision of fostering a strong and lasting partnership with the local communities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Walton Naezon confirmed that the fund will eventually be formally registered and regulated.
In the interim, it will be managed by the GRML Community Relations Department to ensure effective implementation and accountability.
At the handover ceremony, Mr. Dick Douglas, speaking on behalf of the community, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the two individual Wanguo gold shareholders for their generosity.
“Mr. Gao has proven himself to be different from previous mine operators and owners,” Mr. Douglas stated.
“This act of goodwill demonstrates his genuine commitment to our people, and we deeply appreciate his support.”
Receiving the first donation of $500,000, Mr. Douglas assured Mr. Mingqing Gao and Ms. Jinzhu Gao of the community’s unwavering support and pledged to work together toward a brighter future for Gold Ridge.
Besides the personal charity fund, GRML/Wanguo has contributed significantly to community development through various initiatives.
These include support for schools, scholarships, churches, relocation villages, water supply projects, women in business, road and bridge construction, and other essential community needs.
Over the past years, many landowners have traveled to Australia and China on look-and-learn visits.
These visits have provided them with valuable insights into mining operations in these countries, helping them understand best practices that can be adapted to suit local conditions and promote sustainable development.
The establishment of this charity fund marks a significant milestone in strengthening the relationship between GRML and the local landowning communities, fostering a partnership built on trust, mutual respect, and shared prosperity.
