Gold Ridge Mine Disaster: Police recovered the first body after a landslide at Gold Ridge’s Pit 1 near Honiara, but officials say it’s too early to confirm how many people remain buried; reports of “more than 10” missing and warnings point to informal gold panners entering restricted areas, while GRML says it had restricted access and continues stabilization and remediation with RSIPF. Mining Reform Push: Prime Minister Matthew Wale announced a sweeping mineral sector overhaul, including seven amendments to the Mineral Resources Bill and a planned sovereign wealth fund to secure long-term revenue and change how communities receive royalties. Infrastructure & Safety Capacity: Australia-backed Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program workshops focus on safer, climate- and disaster-resilient construction using safeguards, risk assessment and contractor responsibilities. UXO Clearance Funding: Wale secured an extra US$6m from the U.S. for unexploded ordnance clearance, signing a release to bypass regulatory bottlenecks and expand local contractor involvement, especially across Guadalcanal. Bina Harbour Next Steps: A U.S. assessment team is expected by end of August to help move Malaita’s Bina Harbour Industrial Development Project from concept to development-ready infrastructure. Rural Trade Links: Ghumu community celebrated a new China-co-funded footpath to improve access to schools, clinics and markets. Energy & Agriculture Signals: A Sandfly copra farmer praised CEMA’s village-based buying at $4/kg, and June economy figures from CBSI show improved revenue collection and lower spending. Transport Disruption: Pelican 3 cut short its maiden voyage due to a technical fault, with passengers transferred to Pelican 1 and the vessel returning to Honiara for inspection. Security Deal Scrutiny: China-Solomons security draft leaked online is raising Pacific alarm over possible military logistics and armed personnel roles.