Large-scale mining to drive economic growth in Guyana: Minister

According to Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, the future of large-scale mining in Guyana appears increasingly promising. On August 21, 2024, Minister Bharrat highlighted the resurgence of the mining sector, particularly in Region 10, where bauxite mining is experiencing a significant revival. This turnaround is boosting the local economy and generating much-needed employment opportunities for residents.

Additionally, the manganese industry in Region One (Barima/Waini) is on an upward trajectory, with increased production and job creation, especially in the sub-districts of Matthew’s Ridge and Port Kaituma. Minister Bharrat encouraged more individuals to seize the growing opportunities in the mining sector, underscoring its potential to drive economic growth and development across the country.

The Minister stated, "I am happy to say that bauxite is turning around, especially in terms of creating employment in Region 10."

"We have the major company in Linden investing significantly in their production line, and they are poised to increase their production by the end of this year, creating another 200 employments for people in Region 10."

"So bauxite has always been important to us because it created employment in the Berbice area that was formerly Bermine, and it created employment in the Region 10 area, Linmine (the Linden Mining Company), which was once Linmine. So, the additional benefits and spin-offs that come with that sector are critical for Region 10, other than just earning foreign currency through exportation."

According to the Minister of Natural Resources, the manganese company in Region 1 has also been actively producing. The company employs nearly 200 people from Region 1.

“Unfortunately, the price on the world market hasn’t been too favourable, and we have to work with these companies engaged in diamond and manganese production. We must keep these companies in Guyana and work with them; incentivise them.”