Region One : Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Robert Persaud yesterday said that Government is pleased with the progress that has been made thus far with regards to the manganese mining project that is being undertaken by Reunion Manganese Inc. (RMI), a subsidiary of Canada-based Reunion Gold Inc, aimed at exploring gold and other minerals in the Guiana shield.
The Minister was at the time, speaking to stakeholders at a recent visit at the Company’s operations at Matthews Ridge, North West District, Region One.
He said that already the opportunities that can accrue from the initial stages of RMI’s operations are seen. Once the project takes off completely, it is anticipated that employment will be created for over 1000 persons.
Minister Persaud recalled a recent discussion he had with some investors, who touted Guyana as “a hot topic” with regards to mining.
“The interest that we have seen will allow us at the national level, to enhance our ability to provide the types of opportunities for our people,” he said.
However, he said that while Government welcomes and encourages more investments such as this, its advocacy is for these activities to be done in socially and environmentally friendly and sustainable way; and expressed the hope for a comprehensive plan in this regard once the feasibility and other preparatory works are completed.
This mining operation will lead to other types of activities. Already a number of applications have been tendered for quarry operations within Region One; while other interests have been expressed with regards to hydropower, which will go a far way in ensuring long-term viability of the communities.
“This project is also a timely reminder that we need to plan ahead and look beyond the immediate activity that we are embarking on; whether its manganese, gold or bauxite mining…we have to look at ways to ensure that not when a particular activity would have ended, the entire community is more or less abandoned,” Minister Persaud said.
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