The Solomon Islands prime minister has told the Gold Ridge Community Landowner's Council that the government may look for a company to buy the mine.
The sun sets over the Port of Honiara in Solomon Islands. Photo: RNZI/Koroi Hawkins
Manasseh Sogavare has told the community at a meeting that the government itself will not buy the mine, which has been shut for nearly a year, from Australian based St Barbara, but it could facilitate a sale.
He says the government, as much as the landowners, wants to see the mine back in operation.
Mr Sogavare says a re-opening is critical to a revival of the economy, as well as meeting obligations to employees, landowners and the communities around the mine site.