Prime Minister outlines initiatives to boost mining this year
Guyana Chronicle
April 15, 2004
THE Government this year hopes to reform several sectors of the economy in order to achieve its projected 2.5 per cent growth rate.
To this end, Prime Minister Sam Hinds on Tuesday pointed out several initiatives planned for the mining sector this year. One of these measures is the refashioning of the bauxite industry.
This plan was revealed during the budget debate at the Ocean View Convention Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.
Production in this manner realised a 2.5 per cent increase from foreign sales of bauxite last year.
This resulted from the implementation of several measures adopted by the Government to revamp the sector.
Cambior has assumed management functions of the Linden Mining Enterprise (LINMINE) operation, and the Prime Minister is hopeful that the transaction to have Cambior adopt 70 per cent ownership in the company will be completed this year.
There was also success in mining because of improved technology and the recovery process. There were increased amounts of finished products from raw feeds.
“We are hopeful that we can have a refashioned bauxite operation in Linden that will pave the way after about 30 years of running losses,” the Prime Minister stated.
Meanwhile, in the Berbice area, the Aroima Bauxite Company/Berbuice Mining Enterprise (ABC/Bermine) is seeking to move away from company based arrangements and promote collaboration with the communities in its environs.
There have also been increased demands for bauxite, the Prime Minister said, though prices remain the same.
There are ongoing discussions with several mining companies to meet new demands.
Meanwhile, Omai Gold Mines Limited continues to prospect its operations and explore the possibility of acquiring ore from nearby properties.
Several medium scale operations are also in the offing, which will continue to supply the gold market.
Last year, there was a diamond production record of 400,000 carats.
The Prime Minister said mining should therefore be seen as an engine of personal and national growth.
He said, in the mining and timber areas, there has been increased collaboration, especially in the maintenance of roads.
There are several road linkages in mining locations in the hinterland, which were previously inaccessible by road.
Soon, there might be the possibility of travelling overland from the Cuyuni area to the North West. (GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AGENCY)