A landslide has occurred at the major Gold Ridge gold mine in the Solomon Islands, according to the National Disaster Management Office. The mine, located approximately 25 kilometers southeast of the capital Honiara, is a crucial part of the nation's economy and began an expansion last year.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force has not confirmed a death toll, although local media outlet In-depth Solomons reported that 10 bodies had been recovered at the site. The National Referral Hospital in Honiara has stated it is expecting to receive fatalities.
Social media images and videos show heavy machinery digging through collapsed rock and dirt at the mine site. Gold Ridge Mining, majority-owned by Chinese company Wanguo International Mining, has not responded to requests for comment.
The Gold Ridge mine is a substantial contributor to the Solomon Islands' economy, reportedly accounting for almost a quarter of the country's gross domestic product last year. The incident comes as the nation's new prime minister, Matthew Wale, has signaled plans for sweeping reforms in the mining sector to increase local economic benefits.