By Mark DaCosta- Azruddin Mohamed, leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, has brought to light serious allegations regarding the treatment of workers at the largest gold mining operation in Guyana, Zijin Gold Mountain Ya Mei Construction Inc. This revelation uncovers longstanding concerns regarding poor working conditions, health and safety violations, and wage discrepancies faced by local workers.
In 2024, Zijin Gold Mountain, a Chinese-owned corporation, reportedly reaped massive profits amounting to around G$70 billion from the extraction of 136,539 ounces of gold at its Aurora site. Despite its substantial wealth, alarming reports have surfaced, indicating that the workers endure conditions akin to modern slavery. The company operates with little oversight from the authorities, allowing it to sidestep accountability while prioritising profit over the welfare of their labour force.
Employees have voiced significant grievance over the lack of safety measures, inadequate health standards, and low compensation, yet their complaints often go unheard. Workers fear retaliation, with reports suggesting that anyone who dares to speak out risks losing their job and being replaced by foreign labourers. This environment of fear stifles any potential push for reform within the company.
A particularly distressing aspect of the situation is the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the local workforce. While Chinese employees are consistently provided with proper gear, local workers are left inadequately equipped, further jeopardising their safety amidst hazardous working conditions. Many of the tools and vehicles essential to their daily tasks are in disrepair, with some critical machinery operating without functional brakes.
Moreover, the meals provided to workers have come under severe scrutiny. Reports indicate that food is transported under unsanitary conditions, often arriving spoiled or contaminated. Local workers do not have access to dedicated dining facilities, forcing them to eat in dusty environments underground. In stark contrast, their Chinese colleagues enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned dining room, highlighting the stark disparity in treatment between the two groups.
Wage issues compound the precarious situation. Many workers report being underpaid and experiencing delays in receiving their wages. Those labouring more than 1,500 feet below ground receive approximately G$500 per hour while in probation, with only a minor increase after six months. An additional underground risk allowance of G$2,000 is offered, but many employees claim that their requests for fair compensation are routinely dismissed. When they voice their concerns, they are often met with the dismissive comment, “If you can’t do it, find another job.”
The environment cultivated by the Zijin Gold Mountain operation reportedly fails to uphold the basic principles of labour rights or occupational safety. Discriminatory practices appear to be an ongoing issue, with workers reluctant to stage protests or raise complaints due to fear of losing their positions. This situation leaves them vulnerable, voiceless, and subjected to intolerable working conditions.
Azruddin Mohamed has called for immediate intervention from the Ministry of Labour to address these pressing issues affecting the 190 Guyanese workers employed 600 metres underground. As the company continues its operations, it is paramount that the government steps in to safeguard the rights and well-being of local workers and ensures that the alleged exploitation is thoroughly investigated.
