PM Wale welcomes Gold Ridge landowners’ petition for more consultation on proposed Mineral Resources Bill 2025 amendments.
Prime Minister Matthew Wale today welcomed a petition from the Gold Ridge landowners seeking more time for consultation on proposed additional clauses to the Mineral Resources Bill 2025.
The petition was presented to the Prime Minister by Chief Walton Naezon at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Receiving the petition, Prime Minister Wale thanked the Gold Ridge landowners for bringing their concerns directly to the Government and welcomed the opportunity for continued dialogue.
Chief Naezon said the landowners were seeking more time to understand the proposed amendments, particularly how they would affect the rights and benefits of landowners.
“This will give us more time to understand how the Bill will be administered, especially on the rights and benefits of the landowners,” he said.
Chief Naezon also raised questions surrounding the proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund, saying the landowners wanted to see greater clarity and understanding on the issue.
He said the petition was a respectful request and expressed the landowners’ willingness to continue working together with the GREAT Coalition.
Prime Minister Wale said he appreciated the constructive approach taken by the landowners and assured them that their concerns would be conveyed to Government Caucus.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to clarify that the current Mineral Resources Bill does not contain provisions for a Sovereign Wealth Fund.
“The Sovereign Wealth Fund will be dealt with under separate legislation. The amendments proposed now have nothing to do with the Sovereign Wealth Fund,” he said.
Prime Minister Wale explained that the proposed amendments were based on recommendations arising from consultations undertaken by the previous Bills and Legislation Committee.
He said the Government’s intention with the current Bill is to ensure that landowners and provinces receive a fairer and more reasonable share of the benefits from the country’s mineral resources.
“We respect the rights of our landowners. The GREAT Coalition’s policy is that landowners must become wealthy. When companies make profits from our resources, our landowners and province must also receive a fair share,” Prime Minister Wale said.
He reassured the landowners that the Government remains committed to protecting and strengthening their interests as Solomon Islands develops its mineral resources.
“When Cabinet considers the amendments to the Bill, we will provide you with copies and continue the consultation process so you can provide your feedback. There is nothing to hide. We need to work together and clear up any misunderstandings,” the Prime Minister said.
“My door is always open. We can continue to talk, listen to each other and find the best way forward for our landowners and our country,” he adds.
SOURCE// OFFICE OF PRIME MINISTER
