Solomon Islands

Mining in the Solomon Islands can be traced back to as early as the 1930s when gold was discovered on the islands of Guadalcanal and nearby islands. This led to the establishment of several mining operations such as the Gold Ridge Mine which produced over 2 million ounces of gold before it was shut down in 2014 due to environmental and social issues. Other minerals such as bauxite, phosphate and copper have also been found in the Solomon Islands, but their mining potential remains largely undeveloped.

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In recent years, there has been renewed interest in the potential of mining in the Solomon Islands. In 2019, an Australian company, Pacific Bauxite, was granted a prospecting license to explore for bauxite in the Rennell and Bellona Islands. However, the mining industry in the Solomon Islands is faced with challenges such as limited infrastructure, a lack of skilled locals, and environmental concerns given the country's fragile ecosystems. The government has been working to address these issues and encourage responsible and sustainable mining practices.