GRML Gold Production begins
The Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) announces the commencement of gold production after three years of extensive preparatory ground works and over SBD700 million in construction cost and capital expenditures on plant and equipment.
During a courtesy call on Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare yesterday, Mr. Mingqing Gao, Chairman of Wnguo Mining International, Chairman of GRML Board and current acting General Manager of GRML said, after three years of intensive labor, it is time to start producing gold.
“Three years ago, we committed to redeveloping the site. Today is about good news. Under your care and support, we are now ready to celebrate gold production,” acting General Manager Gao told Prime Minister Sogavare.
GRML Acting GM Gao and Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare
He said, GRML is confident to increase gold production in the coming years. “Our mission is to build Gold Ridge into a world class mine.”
GRML thanks the government, resource owners especially chiefs… without this partnership, nothing will be achieved.
Prime Minister Sogavare meanwhile congratulated GRML saying this is a wonderful partnership “stay the course.”
PM Sogavare further assured GM Gao of the government’s full support towards this very important partnership.
The Prime Minister adds, Solomon Islands is working on improving its investment laws.
“Early next year, the Special Economic Zone and Land Reform legislation will be brought to Parliament. These should assist investors,” he added.
GRML hopes to export a minimum of 500kg of gold in each of the remaining months of this year. It anticipates full production in the new year.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and GM Gao (centre), flanked by GRML ececutive, Chief and Director Walton Naezon, Minister of Mines Hon. Bradley Tovosia
Royalties are expected to be paid to the Government, Landowners and Guadalcanal Province. The National Government will also benefit from tax and duty.
GRML anticipates that at its peak, it expects to generate more than SBD1.6 billion.
Additional information from the company confirms, GRML currently employs more than 300 locals and around 80 foreigners mostly for the recommissioning phases. A localization process is also in place.
Gold Ridge Mining is the first gold mine in the country and is currently the biggest mining company in the country.
The Gold Ridge project goes back prior to WW2. First serious mining exploration started in 1939.
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Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat