COMMUNITIES WELCOMED DECISION ON GOLD RIDGE AREA STATUS

The tailings dam at the Gold Ridge mine. Photo credit: Pacific Scoop.

Gold Ridge downstream communities have welcomed the announcement by the Democratic Coalition for Change Government to declare a state of disaster over the Gold Ridge area.

The Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology Samuel Manetoali yesterday declared a state of disaster over the Gold Ridge area, following water threats from the Tailings Storage Facility at the mine site.

Speaking to SIBC News, Gold Ridge Mining Investment Limited (GRMIL) Manager Walton Naezon said downstream communities are pleased with the initiative taken by the national government.

Mr Naezon said GRMIL is discussing the de-watering process with the Government and stakeholders.

“We will continue to discuss with the government other things related to dewatering must be perfectly done and then once we are all satisfied and all stakeholders satisfied and communities well-informed then we will continue with the dewatering process.”