Honiara, Solomon Islands – 1 September 2026 – The three principal landowner associations representing communities connected to the Gold Ridge Mining Project have categorically rejected speculation that their recent petition to Prime Minister Matthew Wale is politically connected to the current political impasse or the Motion of No Confidence filed against the Prime Minister.
Last week, representatives of the Gold Ridge Community and Landowners Council (GRCLC), Kolobisi Tailings Dam Association and Matepono Downstream Association, together with chiefs, elders and community representatives, presented a petition to Prime Minister Wale calling for further consultation on the proposed Mineral Resources Bill 2025.
The landowners said their petition was motivated solely by concerns about the proposed legislation and its potential implications for customary landowners.
Among the concerns raised publicly by the landowners are the need for greater clarity on the legal and constitutional basis of the proposed mineral ownership framework, adequate and meaningful consultation, and stronger consideration of customary landowners’ rights and their share of benefits from mineral resources.
The petition came shortly before Hon. Manasseh Maelanga, MP for East Malaita and former Minister of Home Affairs, filed a Motion of No Confidence against Prime Minister Matthew Wale on 29 August 2026.
According to the notice and statements by Mr Maelanga, the motion is based on concerns that the Prime Minister had repeatedly made decisions on matters of national importance without proper consultation with or approval from Cabinet, raising questions about collective Cabinet responsibility, representative democracy and good governance. Mr Maelanga has also stated that the motion is about confidence in the Prime Minister’s leadership and is separate from ongoing investigations.
However, the three Gold Ridge landowner associations have firmly rejected any suggestion that their petition was politically motivated or connected to the Motion of No Confidence.
“We resolved to petition the Prime Minister because it was the right thing to do. We felt that this was the most constitutional and responsible approach rather than marching on the streets or taking any other irresponsible approach,” the three chairmen said.
The chairmen also welcomed the Prime Minister’s response to their petition, particularly his indication that the matter would be taken back to Cabinet and the Government caucus for further consideration.
“We respect the response by the Prime Minister to take the matter back to Cabinet and caucus, and we acknowledge his honourable respect for the landowners of the Gold Ridge Mining Project,” they said.
Responding to the PM’s response, GRCLC Chairman Dick Douglas said he welcomed the Prime Minister’s assurance that the Government had acknowledged the concerns raised in the petition.
“Such is a response from a leader that cares for landowners,” Douglas said.
Chairman of the Kolobisi Tailings Dam Association, Primo Aumasaea, said the Prime Minister’s response was particularly appreciated given the important role of the communities represented by the association.
“As landowners who accommodate the wastes from the mine, the Prime Minister’s response is highly appreciated,” Aumasaea said.
Meanwhile, Matepono Downstream Association Chairman Samson Maneka said his association supported further consultation on the proposed legislation.
“Our people are the recipients of all the wastes from the mining upstream, so we support more consultations so that our people can contribute more to the Bill which will become the new law on mining,” Maneka said.
The three associations stressed that their petition should be understood strictly in the context of their responsibilities as customary landowners and communities directly affected by mining activities.
They said they have no political strings attached to the current political developments and that their engagement with the Prime Minister was undertaken through what they consider to be a peaceful, constitutional and responsible process.
The landowners said they remain committed to dialogue with the Government and other stakeholders and believe that adequate consultation is essential to ensuring that any new mining legislation is understood, accepted and provides appropriate protection and benefits for customary landowners.
