1 Sep 2011

Workers at Solomons Gold Ridge Mine return after road block lifted

7:42 pm on 1 September 2011

Employees of the Gold Ridge Mine in Solomon Islands have been allowed to return to work after protestors ended a two-day road block.

Staff were unable to reach the mine after residents, including women and children, created a roadblock using rocks and logs at midnight on Tuesday.

The Secretary of the Gold Ridge Landowners Council, Charles Tani, says the protestors from Turarana Village were blaming the miners for polluting their water sources and were demanding compensation.

He says the issue has spanned more than a decade, with little change until now.

"The company approached the demonstrators because they were really peaceful demonstrators. And they promised them that they will address their demands."

Charles Tani says a memorandum of understanding was expected to be signed on Thursday afternoon.