Solomon's Gold Mine expects full production by June.March 23,...

Solomon's Gold Mine expects full production by June.

March 23, 2011

The operator of Solomon Islands' gold ridge mine says gold production will reach full commercial levels by June this year, more than a decade after the mine was closed due to ethnic conflict.

On Tuesday, Gold Ridge Mining Limited, held a ceremony at the mine site to mark one year since its reconciliation with landowners and the commencement of works.

Finance Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo, was among the dignitaries who attended, standing in for Prime minister Danny Philip who pulled out at the last minute to travel to Gizo to open the Western Provincial Assembly.

Gold Ridge is Solomon Islands' first and only mine and the government is hoping other new mines will follow.

It hopes that mining will play a significant role in easing the shock expected from the end of logging which now makes up 70% of the country's export income.

Presenter: Jemima Garrett - Radio Australia
Speaker: Mark Caruso, Gold Ridge Mining Limited's Executive Chairman.

(continued)

GARRETT: You're doing more exploration and the giant mining company, Newcrest, is exploring next door to the Gold Ridge site. We've also seen some interesting nickel in Solomon Islands. Just how much potential do you think the mining industry does have?

CARUSO: I think if you want to find gold or any other particular mineral resource, you have to go where its found. I mean we're in a highly geologically endowed belt, the Pacific Rim of Fire, the area which we engaged in has largely been unexplored in itself, it's the remaining focus of the previous operators focus was just developing the mine and operating the mine. Very little effort was subsequently put into exploration. On the existing perimeters of the pits that are to be mined and furthermore the FPL which is some 130 square kilometres surround the current ML. So look I think the potential is enormous.

http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/pacbeat/stories/201103/s3171840.htm

also Ms Garrett interviewed AVQ's CEO Ryan Mount 3 weeks ago at

http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/pacbeat/stories/201103/s3153343.htm

more info on AVQ/Sumitomo/Landowners in Solomon Islands at

http://www.hotcopper.com.au/post_threadview.asp?fid=1&tid=1134643&msgno=6422531#6422531