Solomon Islands Vows to Keep Mineral Wealth at Home
The Government of Solomon Islands has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the nation's mineral wealth benefits local communities. Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Francis Sade welcomed the endorsement of the 'First Bite, Better Bite' principle by Guadalcanal Premier.
The initiative aims to establish a Mining State-Owned Enterprise and a Mineral Holdings State-Owned Enterprise to maximize value from the country's resources. The Government also plans to implement a gold trading and buying framework through the Central Bank.
Hon. Sade acknowledged concerns over recurring fatalities at Gold Ridge, emphasizing that fair compensation for landowners and meaningful national participation are fundamental requirements. He stressed that 'minerals without justice do not enrich a people, they embitter them.'