Guyana and South Africa sign Declaration of Intent

─ to collaborate in areas of mining

─ training and exchange of technical expertise 

DPI, Guyana, Friday, March 1, 2019

Guyana and South Africa have signed a simple Declaration of Intent. Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman signed on behalf of Guyana while Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources, Godfrey Oliphant signed on behalf of South Africa.

According to the document signed, both parties resolved to further deepen their good relations that already existed between the two nations, and jointly declare to collaborate in the fields of expertise and experience.

As a result of the declaration there will be collaboration in; Mineral Policy Development and Legislation, Environmental Protection and Biodiversity, Exploration, Mining and Mineral Processing, Technological and Beneficiation and Skills Development and Training.

This will see the two countries undertaking visits to their respective countries in areas identified by the Guyana Government to do preliminary exploration work which may include taking samples for laboratory testing to South Africa.

Exchange skills development and training programmes for both students and practitioners will be facilitated.

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman and South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources, Godfrey Oliphant, during a tour of Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Inc., on Friday

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman and South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources, Godfrey Oliphant, his delegation, staff of the Ministry of Natural Resources with the management and some workers of Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Inc.

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman and the South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources, Godfrey Oliphant plant a tree by the Casuarina Drive arch in Linden as a symbol of friendship between the two countries

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman and South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources, Godfrey Oliphant signing the “Declaration of Intent” at Watooka House in Linden

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman and South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources, Godfrey Oliphant after the signing of the “Declaration of Intent”

South Africa will assist Guyana to enhance its capabilities to conduct geological surveys and mapping activities in gold and diamond and other mining activities. Upon invitation, they are also prepared to send technical teams to conduct preliminary studies for offshore exploration mining and assist with alternative technology to conduct mercury-free commercial gold mining.

The government of South Africa has also committed to assisting Guyana in ensuring their legal framework is fully compatible with the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) and the implementation of their minimum standards requirements

The two countries also agree to facilitate and cooperate in commercial activities in mining and related industries including research and development of lapidary management, diamond cutting and design for value-added production.

Both countries have also committed to the drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding that will further strengthen bilateral agreement entered and additionally to develop a joint roadmap to achieve the aims of the declaration of intent.

The signing took place at Watooka House in Linden, following a tour of the Montgomery Mine in Linden being operated by Chinese-owned Bosai Minerals Group.

The South African Minister and his delegation came to Guyana via an invitation of the Guyanese Government.

South Africa will also assist Guyana in figuring out alternative technologies for mercury-free mining for gold.

Following the signing, the South African Deputy Minister joined Minister Trotman to plant a tree by the Casuarina Drive arch that was built in 2016 in observance of 100 years of bauxite production in Region 10.

The arch was built by Bosai Minerals Group Company Limited.

Felecia Valenzuela

Images: Keno George