Police have called on everyone mining without authorisation at the Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) site to leave the premises immediately and of their own accord.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) said the call follows a joint operational decision taken with GRML management, the Guadalcanal Provincial Government and local land-owning groups to clear unauthorised people from the mining pits. It applies to all illegal miners in the area, including people from Guadalcanal Province and from other provinces.
RSIPF said it was seriously concerned about the safety hazards at the site, the high risk of pit collapses and the environmental damage linked to unlawful mining. Following mining laws and site rules was necessary to protect lives, police said.
Those who do not comply face immediate enforcement action, lawful removal and possible prosecution under Solomon Islands law, according to police.
RSIPF urged the people affected to cooperate with authorities, stay outside designated security perimeters and seek help through lawful means. Police said officers would keep a strict presence at the site to ensure the transition was peaceful and orderly.
Source: Based on "RSIPF Appeals for Immediate Evacuation of Illegal Miners from GRML", published by the Solomon Islands Government portal on 16 November 2026. https://solomons.gov.sb/rsipf-appeals-for-immediate-evacuation-of-illegal-miners-from-grml/