Dick Douglas, representing the 16 tribes that form the Gold Ridge Community and Landowners Council (GRCLC), has apologised to Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) following the burning of 30 machines on the night of January 20, 2026.

Douglas, a pastor of the South Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC), made the apology during a Chinese New Year luncheon at the Gold Ridge mine site on Tuesday.

Majority shareholders of the Wanguo Gold Group Limited, which holds 90 percent stake in GRML, Mingqing Gao and Jinzhu Gao attended the luncheon. 

They used the occasion to donate $1.5 million to churches and vulnerable people from the 16 tribes.

“I would like to apologise on behalf of the 16 tribes for what has happened over the past two to three weeks, particularly the burning of the machines,” Douglas said.

“On behalf of my people, I apologise for what has been done. According to our customs and traditional norms, our leaders and chiefs will provide compensation. We assure Mr Gao that we will continue to support you and give you confidence,” he said.

Douglas acknowledged the challenges faced by the community and the mining company, saying difficulties are part of life.

“According to biblical doctrine, we will face challenges in life. There is no easy life in this world. We will face problems and troubles. 

“As human beings, we may fail, but let us commit ourselves to moving forward with this mining industry in Solomon Islands,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Metapona Downstream Association, Samson Maneka; Chief Primo Amusaea of the Kolobisi Tailings Dam Association (KTDA); and Chairman of the Chovohio Mainstream Association (CMSA), Joel Jackson, also voiced their support for GRML to continue its operations at Gold Ridge.

They assured Gao of their continued support until the end of the mining operation, emphasising the importance of the project to the landowners, surrounding communities and the country as a whole.