The Solomon Islands government is seeking professional advice from overseas before deciding whether to buy the Gold Ridge gold mine from Australia's St Barbara.
The mine has not operated since April after flash flooding forced its closure and the evacuation of staff.
The special secretary to the Prime Minister, Phillip Tagini, is in charge of the Government's bid to buy the mine.
The sun sets over the Port of Honiara in Solomon Islands. Photo: RNZI/Koroi Hawkins
He says a legal expert has already been hired but the Government is also looking for advice on the economic, financial, environmental and technical aspects of the proposal.
"Once we get all those people in place we should be able to get their views and their advice on the proposal to us within two weeks and then we should be able to have a talk with St Barabara."
Special Secretary, Phillip Tagini