The government of Guyana has partnered with Canadian gold company G-Mining to train thousands of Guyanese to work at one of the country’s largest gold mines in Region Seven.
The training program will start in February 2025 with 1,500 trainees and will expand further as the mine develops. By 2027, when the mine is fully operational, more workers will receive training in various roles like equipment operators, welders, fabricators, and electricians.
Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton highlighted that the focus will be on hiring and training locals from the region, including both men and women. He emphasized that G-Mining has acquired Reunion Goldmines and plans to establish a major gold mine in the country. Training will be conducted at a facility in Bartica.
Guyana has large underground gold reserves, estimated at around 14.3 million ounces. President Dr. Irfaan Ali stated in 2022 that these reserves could be worth about US$35 billion.
The gold is mainly found in the Hilly Sand and Clay belt, which covers roughly 20% of the country’s land. Key mining projects include the Toroparu mine, holding around 6 million ounces, and the Omai mine, which has historically been a major gold producer.
Gold mining is a key component of Guyana’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and export earnings.
This latest initiative aims to boost Guyana’s mining industry while creating job opportunities and developing local skills. The government has prioritized policies that ensure foreign companies offer jobs to locals first, safeguarding employment and supporting economic growth.
Although gold is incredibly valuable on a per-ounce basis on international markets, gold mining can potentially cause severe environmental damage, including deforestation, soil erosion, and habitat destruction, so the site will have to be carefully managed and regulated.
Toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide can pollute water sources, while air pollution from machinery and dust harms air quality. Mining generates large amounts of waste, and acid mine drainage can contaminate water with heavy metals and land degradation from open-pit mining leaves long-term scars on the landscape.