AGP Executive Report

Maritime Safety & Defence: Australia’s HMAS Leeuwin is working with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force on a five-week hydrographic survey around the Siassi Islands to improve nautical charts and safer navigation. Infrastructure Upgrade (Honiara): The Honiara Road upgrade between Hot Bread Kitchen and HCC Roundabout is in its final stage, with asphalt paving finished and final works underway before early-next-week opening. Mining Safety Crisis (Gold Ridge): A landslide at the Gold Ridge gold mine on Guadalcanal has killed at least one person, with police and mine staff still searching after reports of 10+ missing; authorities point to illegal miners entering restricted areas and are urging the public to stay clear. Business & Labour Reform: The GREAT Coalition is holding consultations to modernise Solomon Islands business, immigration and labour rules, including e-passports/visas and changes to foreign investment and wage policy. Ports & Regional Influence (Bina Harbour): The U.S. is in advanced talks to help finance Bina Harbour, with an assessment team expected by late August to move the project toward a development-ready package. Agribusiness Grants: MALD has handed over SBD 1.34m in grants to four indigenous enterprises to boost downstream processing and farmer-to-market access. Women in Leadership: WELSI’s Senior Executive Women in Leadership Program (8th delivery) is underway in Honiara to build pathways into CEO and board roles. Seaweed Jobs (Isabel): Australia and Keto Seaweed Farm have signed a partnership to expand seaweed production, storage, equipment and support for workers. UXO Clearance Boost: The U.S. has added US$6m to Solomon Islands UXO clearance, with government saying it has signed a release to speed up operations.

Gold Ridge Mine Disaster: A landslide at the Gold Ridge open-pit gold mine on Guadalcanal has killed at least one person (Ashley Olo) and left more than 10 feared dead, with police saying it’s still too early to confirm how many remain buried as recovery continues amid unstable debris and warnings against entering the hazard perimeter. Mining Governance: Central Guadalcanal MP Peter Shanel Agovaka and others are calling for urgent government action to crack down on illegal mining around Gold Ridge, arguing it threatens safety, the environment, and investor confidence. Bina Harbour Push: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says a US assessment team is due by late August to help move the Bina Harbour project from concept to development-ready, including wharf/jetty, fuel storage, power, water, and supporting roads—an effort tied to broader US-Japan engagement. Agribusiness Grants: MALD handed over SBD 1.34m in grants to four indigenous enterprises under the GREAT agriculture policy to boost downstream processing, farmer-to-market access, and post-harvest development. Women in Leadership: Cohort 8 of WELSI’s Senior Executive Women in Leadership Programme is underway in Honiara to build pathways toward CEO and board roles. Infrastructure Safety Training: Australia-supported Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program is running contractor and agency workshops on social and environmental safeguards and climate-disaster resilient construction. Seaweed Jobs: Australia and Keto Seaweed Farm (Isabel) signed a partnership to expand production, adding storage, equipment, a boat/engine, and improved accommodation. Energy/Shipping/Other Industry Notes: Pelican 3’s maiden voyage was interrupted by a technical fault in Marovo Lagoon, with passengers transferred and the vessel returning for inspection; and police clarified that Rove “Police Academy” works were geotechnical investigations with no immediate evictions.

Gold Ridge Mine Disaster: A landslide at the Gold Ridge open-pit gold mine on Guadalcanal has killed at least one person, with police and officials still searching after reports that 10 or more people may be missing; the operator says the incident was a localized slope movement near Open Pit 1 and that no employees or equipment were harmed, while authorities say many victims were likely informal miners who entered restricted areas. Mining Governance: Independent MP Peter Shanel Agovaka is calling for urgent government action on illegal mining at Gold Ridge, warning it threatens safety, the environment, and investor confidence. US-Backed UXO Clearance: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says the US has added SBD$50 million (USD$6m) for unexploded ordnance clearance, with a signed release to speed up work and expand local contractors, especially across Guadalcanal. Bina Harbour Push: Wale says a US assessment team is expected by late August to move the Bina Harbour project from concept to development-ready status, including wharf, port, fuel storage, water, energy and roads. Infrastructure & Jobs: Australia-backed Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program workshops are strengthening contractor safety and climate-resilient delivery; separately, Australia and Keto Seaweed Farm in Isabel Province plan to expand seaweed production with new equipment, storage and transport support.

Gold Ridge Mine Disaster: Police say they’ve recovered the first body after a landslide at the Chinese-owned Gold Ridge gold mine near Honiara, with search and recovery continuing and officials warning it’s too early to confirm how many people remain buried. Reports point to informal gold prospectors, with families joining the search as machinery clears rubble. Mining Reform Push: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says the government is moving ahead with a sweeping mineral sector overhaul, including amendments to the Mineral Resources Bill and plans for a sovereign wealth fund to secure long-term benefits for communities and resource owners. UXO Clearance Funding: Wale also announced an extra US$6m (SBD$50m) from the United States for unexploded ordnance clearance, with a signed release to speed up hiring and contractor engagement, especially across Guadalcanal. Infrastructure Safety Training: Australia-backed workshops are strengthening contractor and government capacity on environmental and disaster-resilient infrastructure delivery, using recent cyclone lessons to improve safeguards. Bina Harbour Next Step: A US assessment team is expected to visit by end of August to help move Malaita’s Bina Harbour Industrial Development Project from concept to development-ready status, including key port and supporting infrastructure. Rural Trade & Roads: Ghumu community celebrated a new China co-funded footpath to improve access to schools, clinics and markets, while Malaita road upgrade consultations continue. Energy & Jobs: Australia and Keto Seaweed Farm in Isabel Province plan to expand seaweed production with storage, equipment, a boat/engine and improved staff accommodation. Economy Snapshot: CBSI reports June saw improved revenue collection and reduced spending, lifting the month’s operating surplus and showing mixed production trends across export commodities. Transport Reliability: Pelican 3’s maiden voyage was briefly disrupted by a technical fault, with passengers transferred safely and the vessel returning for inspection before re-entering service.

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.

Gold Ridge mine disaster: Search and recovery continues after a landslide at the Chinese-owned Gold Ridge gold mine near Honiara, with local reports fearing at least 10 deaths; Gold Ridge says it was a “localized slope movement” at Open Pit 1 around 00:45, that operations are continuing, and that no injuries or fatalities are confirmed yet, while police and emergency crews work as bulldozers clear rubble. Mining safety and enforcement: Multiple reports suggest victims may have been informal gold panners rather than company staff, raising questions about access controls and the risks of illegal mining at major sites. Seaweed jobs in Isabel: Australia and Keto Seaweed Farm (Keto Island, Isabel Province) will co-invest over 12 months in storage, equipment, a boat/engine, and staff accommodation to expand production and create income, especially for women and young people. UXO clearance boost: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says the US has added USD$6m for unexploded ordnance clearance, with government steps to speed up on-the-ground work. Education and fisheries training: SINU secured KOICA funding to refurbish its Fisheries Department complex at Ranadi, upgrading facilities for practical training and research. Road upgrades in Malaita: World Bank-backed SIRAP2 consultations are underway in West Kwara’ae and East Malaita ahead of sealing and drainage works, with contractors and local employment opportunities discussed. Climate coordination for COP31: Pacific climate ministers, co-chaired by Solomon Islands’ Wayne Ghemu, agreed to push a united regional position ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31.

Gold Ridge Mine Disaster: Solomon Islands authorities and police are responding to a major landslide at the Chinese-owned Gold Ridge gold mine near Honiara, with local reports saying at least 10 people were recovered after a collapse in Pit 1 early Monday; Gold Ridge Mining says a localized slope movement occurred around 00:45am, that access was restricted and emergency protocols were activated, and that mining and construction continue while teams inspect and stabilize the area. Mining Safety & Informal Work: Reports indicate victims were likely informal “illegal” miners searching for gold rather than company staff, raising renewed questions about pit access, enforcement, and safety around major operations. Fisheries Training Upgrade: SINU has secured KOICA support to refurbish its Fisheries Department complex at Ranadi, aiming to improve practical training and research facilities for fisheries students and staff. Road Works in Malaita: World Bank-funded SIRAP2 consultations are underway in West Kwara’ae and East Malaita ahead of north and east road improvements, including sealing, drainage upgrades, and local job opportunities. Labour Skills for Unions: Trade union representatives from across the region completed labour law training focused on grievances, collective bargaining, mediation, and arbitration. AI for Weather Preparedness: China says its MAZU AI-powered meteorological early warning system will be rolled out to 30 countries over five years to strengthen multi-hazard alerts and disaster readiness.

Aviation & Skills: Solomon Airlines made history with two local women, Captain Claudia Walding and First Officer Lyndah Tito Owen, flying international Airbus A320 services together—another step for women in Solomon Islands aviation. Labour & Dispute Resolution: Trade union reps from across the Pacific completed a four-day labour law training in Honiara, covering grievances, collective bargaining, mediation, and mock unfair dismissal hearings. Roads & Jobs in Malaita: World Bank-funded SIRAP2 consultations are underway in West Kwara’ae and East Malaita ahead of north and east road upgrades, including DBST sealing, drainage works, and local employment opportunities. TVET & Automotive Training: Ela Motors donated 12 toolboxes to SINU’s Automotive Engineering/TAFE department to boost hands-on apprenticeship training. Climate Cooperation: Pacific Climate Ministers met in Sydney, with Solomon Islands’ Wayne Ghemu co-chairing talks to push a united COP31 agenda and coordinate Pre-COP preparations. Maritime Security & Partnerships: PM Matthew Wale’s Washington meetings advanced the Bina Harbour project and maritime enforcement cooperation, including a US Coast Guard ship-rider arrangement. Governance Watch: Transparency Solomon Islands renewed calls to revoke MPs’ cost-of-living salary increase, arguing it burdens taxpayers amid high living costs. Early Warning Tech: China announced it will extend its AI-powered MAZU meteorological early warning system to 30 countries over five years.

Aviation & Skills: Solomon Airlines marked a milestone for local women in aviation as two female Airbus A320 pilots—Captain Claudia Walding and First Officer Lyndah Tito Owen—operated international services together, highlighting growing career pathways in the industry. Labour & Training: Trade union reps from across the Pacific completed a four-day labour law and dispute resolution programme, covering grievances, collective bargaining, mediation, and mock unfair dismissal hearings. Roads & Jobs (Malaita): The Ministry of Infrastructure Development, under SIRAP2 with World Bank support, is running community consultations in West Kwara’ae and East Malaita ahead of north and east road upgrades, including DBST sealing and drainage works, with local employment opportunities flagged. TVET & Automotive Industry: Ela Motors donated 12 toolboxes of automotive equipment to SINU’s Automotive Engineering Department to strengthen hands-on apprenticeship training. Climate & Early Warning: Pacific climate ministers met in Sydney to push a united COP31 agenda, while China announced it will expand its MAZU AI meteorological early warning system to 30 countries over five years. Energy & Business Policy: MMERE hosted legislative and policy reform consultations to fast-track ministry reforms, as SICCI urged action on an SME Bill and electricity regulation changes. Governance & Cost of Living: Transparency Solomon Islands renewed calls to revoke MPs’ pay rise after the PEC defended a 6% COLA increase. US Partnership & Maritime Security: PM Matthew Wale advanced US talks in Washington, including a Peace Corps re-engagement and a ship-rider arrangement for US Coast Guard patrols in Solomon Islands waters.

Aviation & Skills: Solomon Airlines’ international routes saw a milestone as two local women pilots—Captain Claudia Walding and First Officer Lyndah Tito Owen—operate together on Airbus A320 services, signalling growing opportunities for women in Honiara’s aviation pipeline. Labour & Training: Trade union reps from across the Pacific completed a four-day labour law and dispute resolution training in Honiara, covering grievances, collective bargaining, mediation, and mock unfair dismissal hearings. Roads & Jobs (Malaita): The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and SIRAP2 teams began community consultations in West Kwara’ae and East Malaita ahead of north and east road upgrades, including DBST sealing, drainage works, and local employment opportunities. TVET & Industry Support: Ela Motors donated 12 toolboxes to SINU’s Automotive Engineering Department to strengthen hands-on apprenticeship training. Climate & Resilience: Pacific climate ministers met in Sydney with Solomon Islands’ Wayne Ghemu co-chairing, pushing a united COP31 agenda and stronger regional coordination. Governance & Cost of Living: Transparency Solomon Islands renewed calls to revoke MPs’ pay rise after the PEC defended a 6% COLA increase, citing constitutional process and delayed reviews. Maritime Security & Partnerships: PM Matthew Wale advanced US ties in Washington, including a ship-rider arrangement for US Coast Guard patrols and discussions on the Bina Harbour development.

AI & Weather Safety: China says its MAZU AI meteorological early-warning system will be rolled out to 30 countries over five years, aiming to help forecasters assess impacts on transport, agriculture, energy and more. Pacific Climate Push: Solomon Islands’ Wayne Ghemu co-chairs Pacific Climate Ministers’ Talanoa in Sydney, backing a united Pacific position for Pre-COP31 and COP31. Roads for Resilience (Malaita): Malaita communities are being consulted ahead of north and east road upgrades under SIRAP2, including DBST sealing and drainage works, with contractors CCECC and TTCL. Skills for Industry (SINU): Ela Motors donates 12 toolboxes to SINU’s Automotive Engineering/TAFE to boost hands-on training for apprentices. Education Reform (GREAT): PIMEU and MEHRD review progress on Free Education, Education Reform, STEM and school infrastructure, with priorities reflected in the ministry’s work plan. Governance & Cost of Living: Transparency Solomon Islands calls for MPs’ recently approved 6% salary increase to be revoked, arguing it burdens taxpayers amid rising living costs. US–Solomons Partnership: A Peace Corps re-establishment letter of intent is signed, signalling a return of volunteers for education, community development and skills transfer. Maritime Security & Investment: PM Matthew Wale meets US partners on development and maritime enforcement, including focus on Bina Harbour and energy/tourism opportunities.

Pacific Security & Diplomacy: Australia and Fiji push new defence pacts as Australia’s PM Albanese tours the region, with Solomon Islands’ PM Wale expected to review its China security ties. US–Solomon Partnership: Wale wraps Washington talks with the US on Bina Harbour, energy cooperation, and maritime security, while a Peace Corps return is set to restart after a Letter of Intent. Roads & Jobs in Malaita: MID and SIRAP2 begin community consultations for North and East road upgrades (DBST sealing and regravelling), with contractors CCECC and TTCL and local employment opportunities flagged. Skills for Industry: Ela Motors donates 12 toolboxes to SINU’s Automotive Engineering training to boost hands-on apprenticeship learning. Water Reliability in Honiara: Residents report days-long water cuts, with Solomon Water citing pipeline repairs and gradual reservoir refilling. Climate Agenda for COP31: Pacific climate ministers meet in Sydney to align a united COP31 position, co-chaired by Solomon’s Wayne Ghemu and Australia’s Chris Bowen. Forestry Warning: A new look at Solomon Islands logging shows production forests are nearly gone, pushing urgent land-use change before commercial trees disappear.

Road upgrades in Malaita: MID and SIRAP2 teams have started community consultations in West Kwara’ae and East Malaita ahead of north and east road works, covering timelines, safeguards, traffic plans and local jobs. Road sealing contracts: Two Malaita road sections are set for DBST sealing and re-gravelling, including 12km from Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction to Kwaisuliniu (CCECC) and 21km from Baratolo to Atori (TTC), with drainage upgrades to improve resilience in heavy rain. Skills for the automotive workforce: Ela Motors donated 12 toolboxes to SINU’s Automotive Engineering Department to strengthen hands-on training for apprentices. Education reform push: The GREAT Coalition’s PIMEU met MEHRD to track delivery of Free Education, Education Reform, STEM, teachers’ welfare and school infrastructure priorities. MP pay controversy: Transparency Solomon Islands renewed calls to revoke the PEC-approved 6% cost-of-living adjustment for MPs, arguing it burdens taxpayers amid rising living costs. Climate coordination for COP31: Pacific Climate Ministers’ Talanoa in Sydney advanced a united regional agenda, co-chaired by Solomon Islands’ Wayne Ghemu, ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31. Maritime security partnership: Solomon Islands leaders moved to restore Peace Corps ties with the US and also advanced a ship-rider deal for US Coast Guard patrols with local police. Forests after logging: A new look at Solomon Islands’ “life after logging” highlights rapid forest loss and the urgency of changing land and forestry use before commercial trees run out.

Education Reform Push: The GREAT Coalition’s PIMEU met MEHRD to track delivery of Free Education, Education Reform, STEM, Teachers’ Welfare and school infrastructure, with most priorities now reflected in the ministry’s annual work plan. Roads for Malaita: MID and SIRAP2 teams have started community consultations in Malaita for North and East road upgrades, outlining timelines, safeguards, traffic plans and local jobs; North is contracted to CCECC and East to TTCL. MP Pay Rise Backlash: Transparency Solomon Islands renewed calls to revoke MPs’ 6% cost-of-living adjustment, arguing it burdens taxpayers amid high food, transport and housing costs, while PEC defended the decision as constitutionally required after delayed reviews. Energy & Lawmaking: MMERE hosted consultations to fast-track legislative and policy reforms, supported by legal practitioners and drafting staff from the Attorney General’s Chambers. US Partnership Returns: Solomon Islands and the US signed a Letter of Intent to restore the Peace Corps programme, targeting education, community development and skills transfer. Maritime Security Deal: PM Wale says a US Coast Guard “ship-rider” agreement will be signed in Honiara next week to boost joint patrols with local police against trafficking and illegal fishing. Climate Unity for COP31: Pacific climate ministers, co-chaired by Wayne Ghemu, agreed to present a united Pacific position ahead of COP31 and Pre-COP31. Investment Outreach: PM Wale’s Washington talks with DFC, MCC and US business leaders highlighted Bina Harbour and opportunities in energy and tourism. Renewables Summit Line-up: Meridian Energy CEO Mike Roan confirmed as a keynote at the Oceania Renewable Power Summit in Auckland (7–8 Oct), with Solomon Power’s Joshua Suiramo also listed. Agribusiness Update: SIART support helped the Kwasila Piggery Farmers Association in Malaita restart breeding and build fattening houses, while they urge faster delivery of materials.

Road Upgrades in Malaita: MID and SIRAP2 teams have started community consultations across Malaita’s north and east road corridors, explaining timelines, safeguards, traffic plans and local jobs ahead of works—North Road to be sealed by CCECC and East Road maintenance/regravelling by TTCL. MP Pay Rise Pushback: Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) is demanding the revocation of the PEC-approved 6% cost-of-living adjustment for MPs, arguing it burdens taxpayers amid high food, transport and housing costs. Energy & SME Policy Agenda: The Private Sector Advisory Group (PSAG) held its first 2026 meeting, with SICCI urging urgent tabling of an SME Bill and electricity law amendments to improve reliability and cut business costs. Climate Unity for COP31: Environment Minister Wayne Ghemu, co-chairing Pacific climate talks in Sydney, urged Pacific countries to speak with one voice ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31. US Investment & Maritime Security: PM Matthew Wale wrapped Washington meetings with DFC, MCC and US business leaders, highlighting Bina Harbour and energy/tourism opportunities, and also advanced a US Coast Guard “ship rider” patrol deal with local police. Honiara Water Woes: Residents in West Honiara report days-long water cuts despite Solomon Water repairs, with supply expected to fully return only after further reservoir refilling. Agriculture Support: Malaita’s Kwasila pig farmers association says SIART support helped restart breeding and fattening houses, while they ask for faster delivery of materials to finish remaining phases. Renewables Summit: Meridian Energy CEO Mike Roan confirmed as a keynote for the Oceania Renewable Power Summit in Auckland on 7–8 October.

Maritime Security Deal: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says Honiara will sign a “ship rider agreement” next week for U.S. Coast Guard patrols with local police aboard, aiming to tackle drug trafficking, human trafficking and illegal fishing. Infrastructure & Transport: MID reports the Riffle Range Roundabout upgrade is complete under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project, improving traffic flow and stormwater drainage; asphalt works on Mendana Avenue are also advancing toward Honiara City Council Roundabout. Water Supply Strain: Residents in West Honiara report up to a week of water outages despite Solomon Water repairs to the Ngossi pumping main; supply should fully stabilise within 48 hours. Energy & Industry Skills: MECDM and partners complete Phase 1 of the Mini Solar Power Project across 25 constituencies; SINU consults industry to strengthen its Bachelor of Fisheries Studies for better hands-on training. Business & Policy: PSAG holds its inaugural 2026 meeting, with SICCI pushing for urgent SME Bill action and Electricity Act amendments to cut costs and improve reliability. Renewables Spotlight: Meridian Energy CEO Mike Roan confirmed as a keynote for the Oceania Renewable Power Summit in Auckland.