Landslide at Major Gold Mine in Solomon Islands

SYDNEY: A landslide occurred at a major gold mine in the Solomon Islands, said the disaster management office of the Pacific nation today.

The Gold Ridge mine, owned by a Chinese company, is among the main contributors to the Solomon Islands’ economy and began expansion last year.

The National Disaster Management Office confirmed to AFP that the landslide occurred at the mine located approximately 25 kilometres southeast of the capital, Honiara.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, however, refused to confirm the death toll after local news portal In-depth Solomons reported 10 bodies found at the mine site.

In Honiara, the National Referral Hospital said it was ready to receive the deceased.

“Some of them have died,” hospital staff Lyrex Alick told AFP.

Footage and videos circulating on social media showed bulldozers being used to clear piles of earth and rocks at the site.

Gold Ridge Mining is majority-owned by Chinese company Wanguo International Mining, which previously stated that the mine contributed nearly 25 per cent of the Solomon Islands’ gross domestic product (GDP) last year.

Both companies have not issued any statement regarding the tragedy.

New Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale previously announced plans to implement major reforms to the mining sector to ensure more of the industry’s revenue is enjoyed by the local economy.

AFP