Gold Ridge Mine Disaster: Solomon Islands police say they’ve recovered the first body from the Gold Ridge landslide near Honiara, but officials warn it’s too early to confirm how many people remain buried; reports earlier this week put fears at “at least 10” missing, with authorities and the mine operator pointing to informal gold panners entering pit areas despite restricted access. Maritime Security & Politics: The Solomon Islands government signed the U.S. Shiprider maritime security agreement aboard the US Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane in Honiara, but the ceremony drew backlash after media were unexpectedly excluded and Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare warned it could compromise sovereignty. Mining Reform Push: Prime Minister Matthew Wale announced a sweeping overhaul of the mineral sector, including seven amendments to the Mineral Resources Bill and a planned sovereign wealth fund to turn mining revenue into long-term services like health and education. UXO Clearance Funding: Wale also secured an extra US$6m (SBD$50m) from the U.S. for unexploded ordnance clearance, saying a signed release will bypass regulatory bottlenecks to scale up local contractor involvement, especially across Guadalcanal. Bina Harbour Investment Prep: A U.S. assessment team is expected by late August to help move the Bina Harbour Project in Malaita from concept to development-ready status, with a “bankable project” package planned alongside partners. Education & Skills: Japan will fund Solomon Islands’ free education rollout via a concessional loan signed in Tokyo, with a new school pledge from the Sasakawa Foundation aimed at strengthening STEM and skills. Public Finance Update: CBSI reports June revenue rose and spending fell, lifting the month’s provisional operating surplus to $159m and improving overall fiscal performance. Rural Trade Infrastructure: In Ngella, the Ghumu community received a new China-co-funded footpath to improve access to schools, health centres and markets—supporting safer travel and rural commerce.