HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS, May 28, 2026 – Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) has welcomed the appointment of Solomon Islands Prime Minister, the Hon. Matthew Wale, pledging to strengthen the economy through the development of the Company’s Gold Ridge mining operation.
Mr Mingqing Gao, Chairman of Wanguo Gold Group and GRML, recently paid a courtesy visit to meet Prime Minister Wale at the Office of the Prime Minister, where discussions focused on the future of the Company’s Gold Ridge Project and its strategic contribution to the economic development of the Solomon Islands.
During the meeting, Mr Gao formally congratulated Prime Minister Wale on his election and acknowledged his longstanding leadership and service to the nation. He reaffirmed Wanguo Gold Group’s confidence in the Solomon Islands and its continued commitment to developing Gold Ridge as a world-class mining operation that delivers long-term economic benefits to government, landowners, and the people of Solomon Islands.
“We are not the owners of resources, but partners in national development. We remain committed to working hand in hand with government and communities to make Gold Ridge a pillar of the Solomon Islands economy,” Mr Gao said.
Mr Gao highlighted Gold Ridge’s significant economic contribution and future growth potential. In 2025, the project contributed approximately 23% of the national GDP and paid over SBD $510 million in taxes and royalties.
He reaffirmed Wanguo Gold Group’s commitment to the SBD $6 billion expansion project, noting that once fully completed, Gold Ridge is expected to contribute around 50% of Solomon Islands GDP, approximately 45% of total government revenue, and sustain more than 6,000 direct and indirect jobs nationwide. Mr Gao also gave his personal commitment to dedicating his efforts towards the long-term success of Gold Ridge and the broader prosperity of Solomon Islands.
Prime Minister Wale welcomed Mr Gao’s visit and acknowledged the importance of continued dialogue between the Government and Gold Ridge Mining Limited on the future development of the Gold Ridge Project.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining a stable and supportive environment for responsible investment, recognising the critical role of investor confidence and certainty in enabling long-term project development. He noted that such an environment is essential to attracting sustained investment and supporting increased government revenue, employment, and broader economic growth for the Solomon Islands.
The Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of engaging with credible, qualified, and experienced investors, and ensuring that due diligence is undertaken to support responsible and capable operators who can deliver long-term value to the country. Both parties recognised the importance of ongoing collaboration between government, investors, and customary landowners to ensure that development delivers sustainable and inclusive benefits for the nation.
Guided by the ethos of “Investing in the Land. Building for the People. Creating Opportunity,” Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) continues to progress its vital contributions to the national economy and local communities.
“We remain determined to help deliver better roadways, internet and electricity access, with more local job opportunities while providing direct support to local schools, health clinics, and churches. By investing in both the physical infrastructure and the institutions that anchor our Guadalcanal communities, we are committed to doing right by the people of Guadalcanal and the great Solomon Islands,” Mr Gao added.
“Our vision is a stronger, happier, and healthier Solomon Islands built on succeeding together. Investing in, supporting, and working with local communities and the lands we operate in is a vital part of that.”
The meeting reinforced the shared interest in a prosperous, well-supported Guadalcanal. As operations continue to grow, GRML remains steadfast in its dedication to transparent partnerships, local workforce empowerment, and ensuring that the progress at Gold Ridge translates directly into tangible benefits for the people of the Solomon Islands.
