Zijin Mining Group Company Ltd – the Chinese company that bought Aurora Gold Mines in Region Seven – has shut down reports that it has “ditched” local contractors to pave way for more than 200 Chinese workers.
In a statement earlier on Monday, the company made it clear that it has not terminated the services of any local contractors. “Contractors, mainly stripping and mining related, who did not continue to work with AGM and were given a notice of 6 months last year, were dismissed by the previous owner with their contracts expired in March and April 2020, even before AGM was bought by Zijin,” the company explained.
AGM General Manager, Victor Wu was keen on noting that all local suppliers’ contractors that were on the job when Zijin took over have been retained.
Wu submitted that the article published in last Sunday’s Edition of the Kaieteur Newspaper on the company’s operation is far from the truth.
“Kaieteur News’ coverage was prejudicial and misleading, AGM new management felt upset on Kaieteur’s professionalism and just, and they will reserve the right to take any necessary legal action against it,” he said.
It was explained that AGM, under the management of Zijin, is focused on restarting the mining operation. He said the company stands committed to the Guyanese people, and intends to hire hundreds of Guyanese. It is also aiming to utilize a range of local services to fulfil its objectives.
“As is convention with any foreign investors, so as with AGM INC., a limited number of expatriate employees are expected to be part of this team and the number of expatriates, whose skills and experience are not readily available in Guyana to manage and execute such mining activities related to deep open pit work, underground mining development and metallurgy, would be strictly limited as required by AGM’s Mineral Agreement,” Wu clarified.
As mining and stripping activities expand in a systematic way, and milling gets underway, more local employees in Guyana will be added to the workforce, he assured.
“AGM remains committed to its Policy of partnering with its local supplier and contractor base. As AGM moves out of Care and Maintenance period step by step, new management will enlarge the scope of cooperation with locals. The cost efficiency and sustainability for the mine, aiming at delivering more benefit to the local, will be improved by subjecting suppliers and contractors to evaluation and optimization,” Wu further assured.
He iterated that Zijin remains committed to working with all stakeholders in ensuring that its Local Content contribution continues to grow and develop.
