Guyana Mining School students for training at Canadian-owned gold mine

Last Updated on Tuesday, 21 January 2025, 19:41 by Writer

The Canada-headquartered G Mining Ventures Guyana Inc. (GMIN), which is developing the almost US$1 billion Oko West gold mine, has agreed to allow annual industrial training for students of the Guyana Mining School and Technical Training Centre (GMSTCI), the Ministry of Natural Resources said Tuesday.

The recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Guyana government, through GMSTCI and GMIN states that the initiative is designed to prepare industry-ready professionals for Guyana’s expanding mining sector.

Students would be trained at the Oko West Gold Project site in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and the programme would include in-depth Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) training, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and mentorship from industry experts.

Government said GMSTCI would identify eligible students, facilitate OSH certification, and promote the initiative, which would run for a minimum of six weeks, with extensions available based on performance and project needs.

Speaking on the initiative, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, applauded the partnership, saying, “This collaboration between the Guyana Mining School and GMIN reflects the shared vision of strengthening Guyana’s mining industry through education and capacity building. By investing in our youth, we are securing the future of the sector and ensuring its sustainability for generations to come,” he was quoted as saying in a Ministry of Natural Resources statement.

The minister highlighted that in 2024, Guyana’s mining sector experienced significant growth, driven by increased investments, favourable government policies, and rising global demand for minerals. Enhanced infrastructure development, such as improved road networks to hinterland regions, facilitated greater access to mining sites, while tax exemptions on heavy machinery lowered operational costs and encouraged expansion. The sector also benefited from stronger collaborations between industry and academia, equipping the workforce with the skills needed to meet industry demands. These factors combined to solidify mining as a cornerstone of Guyana’s economy, attracting local and international investors and contributing to sustainable economic development.

GMIN’s Country Manager, Mr. Bjorn Jeune, emphasised the company’s commitment to nurturing local talent, stating, “This initiative reflects GMIN’s dedication to empowering Guyanese youth through practical learning and skills development.

By aligning our resources with the expertise of GMSTCI, we aim to create a pipeline of competent professionals who will contribute to the success of our operations and the broader mining industry.”

Mr. Vaughn Felix, who represented the GMSTCI, noted the transformational impact of the collaboration, while adding, “This partnership not only enhances the career prospects of our students but also strengthens Guyana’s mining sector by fostering a skilled and resilient workforce. The hands-on experience gained through this collaboration will be invaluable for their professional growth.”

GMIN’s Communications Specialist, Ms. Stacy Carmichael; HR Associate, Mrs. Hosha Ramjattan-Persaud, and Geologist of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Mrs. Joanne Nelson, also attended the signing ceremony, which took place at GMIN’s corporate office in the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in Goergetown.