A GUADALCANAL chief has appealed to illegal gold panners to vacate the site and make way for a Chinese company.
Meanwhile, Mines Minister Derek Manari claimed that illegal mining was valued at $USD25 million per annum, describing it as alarming and a major concern for the government.
Manuari said the government would work with all stakeholders to stop illegal activity.
Chief Naezon, a Director of Gold Ridge Mining, called on chiefs of the 17 tribes in the region to take responsibility for removing their people from the mine area
He warned that illegal panning—a common activity around the mine—would disrupt preparations for a major expansion of the mine’s operations.
The chief also appealed to people from other provinces who are working illegally at the site to leave.
“We have people from Malaita, Guadalcanal, Makira, Central, Western, and other provinces here. Your leaders are here. Please listen to them and leave. This is a national project. We do not want to disturb its progress,” he said.