Six tribal chiefs from Suta village in central Guadalcanal, representing the Landowners (LOs) from the Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML), are working closely with the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) to identify illegal miners from outside who were employed by LOs to leave the pit area.
GRML Operation Commander, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Operations, Mr. Mathias Lenialu said, according to the Suta chiefs’ work plan, the pit removal was done at the Pit 3 area, including Pit 3 Junction, Charivunga Dam, Kologeva, and the upper Kolo Kakari area.
DC Lenialu said police and chiefs completed the pit removal before lunch on 3 December 2025, and the police returned to the static area of the pit and monitored the situation. Chiefs continue to notify those who will be leaving tomorrow.
Mr. Lanialu said the chiefs’ and police approach was peaceful, although it might take time to complete the removal of all outsiders and appeal to all illegal miners who were invited by the LOs to refrain from coming back to the pit as the removal operation continues.
Police will continue to ensure that the pit gate and pit operation sites are restricted as the pit removal operation continues in the coming days.
