Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) has launched its second annual Community Foundation Program, a flagship initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable members of communities within the Gold Ridge catchment area who face difficulties securing regular income.
The programme targets vulnerable individuals, including Solomon Islanders aged 60 and above, people living with disabilities, widows and widowers, and people living with terminal illnesses.
SBD 1.5 million in personal cash donations
A total of SBD 1.5 million has been committed to this year’s Community Foundation Program through personal contributions from GRML’s senior leadership.
GRML and Wanguo Gold Group Chairman Mingqing Gao has personally donated SBD 1 million, while GRML Director Jinzhu Gao has contributed a further SBD 500,000.
The company said the contributions demonstrate a personal commitment by its leadership to supporting vulnerable members of Gold Ridge catchment communities and ensuring assistance reaches people facing financial and social difficulties.
This year’s programme marks a significant expansion since its launch last year, with the number of beneficiaries increasing to more than 500 people across 36 communities.
Distribution officially began on Friday, September 18, 2026. The Community Foundation team has so far reached 305 beneficiaries at four venues across the Gold Ridge catchment area, with two additional distribution programmes scheduled in the coming days.
To ensure an orderly, accessible and dignified process, six distribution venues have been identified across the Gold Ridge catchment area. Beneficiaries have been formally notified of their assigned dates and locations.
GRML pledges continued community support
GRML reaffirmed its commitment to supporting communities within its local catchment area and said it looks forward to completing this year’s distribution and building on the programme’s impact in future years.
Mr Gao said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to supporting communities where it operates.
“As a responsible mining company, Gold Ridge is proud to support the community where we operate through this flagship initiative that provides aid where it is most needed to some of the most vulnerable members of the Solomon Islands community.”
He said GRML aims to create a positive and lasting impact through both its economic contribution and social investments.
“GRML is focused on making a positive, lasting impact that directly benefits the people of Solomon Islands. This extends from the Company’s economic impact through generating significant employment, investment, taxes and royalties, to our social investments which have ranged from building much-needed infrastructure such as housing and roads to supporting local schools.”
Mr Gao said the company would continue supporting initiatives focused on community wellbeing, cultural heritage and sustainable development.
“The Company looks forward to continuing to support initiatives that promote community wellbeing, cultural heritage, and sustainable development for the benefit of present and future generations.”
Economic and community contribution
Guided by its ethos of “Investing in the Land. Building for the People. Creating Opportunity,” GRML said it continues to contribute to the national economy and local communities.
According to figures provided by the company, the Gold Ridge Mine generated around SBD 3 billion in revenue in 2025, equivalent to approximately 23 percent of national GDP. The company said it paid around SBD 510 million in taxes and royalties and employed approximately 1,000 people, including more than 700 Solomon Islanders.
The company also estimates that its operations support more than 3,000 indirect jobs.
Under a current SBD 6 billion mine expansion project, Gold Ridge expects its contribution to increase significantly, with the company projecting that the mine could account for around 50 percent of Solomon Islands’ GDP, approximately 45 percent of total government revenue, and support more than 6,300 direct and indirect jobs nationwide.
At the community level, GRML said it has invested approximately SBD 120 million in projects including concrete roads, renovation of community houses, drinking water wells, internet and power services, and sports uniforms for local schools.
The company said these investments, alongside the Community Foundation Program, form part of its broader efforts to support livelihoods and community development around the Gold Ridge operation.
SOURCE// Gold Ridge Mining Limited Press Release
