Stakeholders engaged to resolve Guyana Gold Fields strike – DG Harmon

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, July 4, 2019

As the “Wildcat strike” by several workers of the Guyana Gold Field’s Aurora Mining operations enters its second day, “Talks are ongoing” according to the Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon.

During the July 4, post-Cabinet press briefing, the Director-General revealed that the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman and officials from the Ministry of Social Protection’s Labour Department are engaging representatives, “to see how best they can address the issues that are affecting the performance of the company”.

“We trust that they will be able to find some common ground so that the company will continue to produce and continue to provide employment for the people who work there,” he added.

Guyana Goldfields, on Wednesday, July 3, suspended operations at its Aurora Mine, owing to industrial unrest by workers.

In a release, the Canadian mining company said a portion of the workforce employed by the company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, AGM Incorporated, blocked delivery of ore to the mill. “As a safety precaution, the company decided to temporarily suspend operations until a resolution is reached with the striking workers and is in the process of evacuating all non-essential personnel from the site, including the striking workers,” the release stated.

The company believes the stoppage was the result of a misunderstanding concerning the management and relationship between AGM and certain open pit mining contractors.

“AGM has been examining options to improve mining performance in order to ensure Aurora’s long-term future. No decisions have been made concerning any possible changes to the mining operation at this time,” the company said. “The company is actively working along with its employees and adhering to applicable laws and regulations and is facilitating communication with the relevant Governmental labour authorities to understand and address employees’ concerns and to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.”

Guyana Goldfields Incorporated is a Canadian-based mid-tier gold producer primarily focused on the exploration, development and operation of gold deposits in Guyana.

Image: Giovannie Gajie