Young apprentices visit Aurora Gold Mines
─ view first underground exploration tunnel currently being explored by AGM
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Their youthful innocence and honesty revealed their excitement even before the question was asked, and when eventually it was asked; “Are you enjoying the Programme? The answer was a resounding Yes! It was accompanied by bright smiles and wide adventurous eyes.
On Tuesday morning, the third instalment of the Ministry of Natural Resources – Youth in Natural Resources (YNR) Apprenticeship Programme, travelled by plane to Aurora Gold Mines – one of the largest gold mines in Guyana and the world, located in the north-west Mazaruni Region.
The group of 21 makes this year’s batch the largest since it began three years ago.
As they sp0oke to the Department of Public Information (DPI), on their way to tour the open mines at AGM, 17-year-old apprentice, Neil Gordan, related that the programme from inception has been fun-filled and exciting and has allowed him to fly for the very first time. “This is my first plane ride, and my experience on this trip is enjoyable, educational and emotional. I met a lot of people and went to more places than I ever expected to go.” Neil shared.
His colleague, Johnai Walcott from Region 2, described his experience as wonderful. “I have learned a lot; like business management and fieldwork relating to mining, a little bit of everything.”
Another apprentice, Mariam Ogle from Region 4, described her experience as thrilling and very educational. “I have learned so much, I got a chance to revisit some places I have already been to, but I have also seen new places,” she told DPI.
During the AGM tour, the apprentices got a chance to view some of the largest mines in the country and much of the large machinery used during operations. They also had an opportunity to see the first underground exploration tunnel currently being explored by AGM. The youths viewed from the entrance of the tunnel without venturing in too deep.
They were also given a safety brief and mini safety lecture in the earlier part of the tour.
The young participants went through a rapid three-week knowledge-based programme designed to not only arouse their interest but also serve as a guide for those desirous of a career in the Natural Resources Sector.
The programme is the brainchild of Hon. Raphael Trotman, Minister of Natural Resources, who later on told DPI that he was indeed honoured to have been given the opportunity to introduce the sector to the nation’s young people.
“Nothing gives me more satisfaction than to introduce them to mining because at the beginning the intention is and remains to have them fall in love with their country by seeing the different parts, meeting different people and to see the extractive industries as worthwhile and positive,” Minister Trotman stated.