The bauxite industry in Guyana will receive a much-needed boost in the near future when Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI) begins an approximately US$ 100 million expansion.
(L-R) BMGG General Manager George Zhao, Vice President John Liu, Minister Robert Persaud, BMGG Company Secretary Norman McLean, and Overseas Business Department Manager Steven Ma
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud has announced that BMGGI will soon be undergoing massive expansion which will result in hundreds of persons being employed at the bauxite company. These include securing an additional area for the mining of ore and the construction of a third kiln. These projects are estimated to cost US$ 40 million and more than US$ 57 million respectively, a total of some US$ 100 million.
The minister was speaking at a press conference on Monday at his office located at Office of the President in the presence of BMGGI’s General Manager George Zhao; Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors John Lu; Director Steven Ma; and the company’s general secretary, Major General Norman McLean.
“As we speak, we are currently finalising the prospecting licence for the area which is called Block 37 which will allow the company to have access to a greater amount of ore, so that they could continue the mine life and also to invest in a new kiln (Kiln 15),” Minister Persaud said.
With the initiation of these two mega projects, the company will be moving to market two new products on the market: multite and proppants, products which will increase the company’s revenues.
“The issue in terms of diversifying the bauxite product – these are things that have gone to waste, these are things that were not being considered, so there is much more value-added improving recovery, because there is always an issue with recovery for bauxite with the technology that is being utilised,” he added.
As Bosai continues to develop, Region 10, in particular the mining town of Linden, will begin to see the many opportunities that will manifest during and after the company would have pumped an additional US$ 100 million into developmental activities.
“Most importantly, the community of Region 10, which is the main beneficiary, can continue to look forward to not only the rejuvenation of the industry that Bosai has done, but also an expansion creating hundreds of jobs and other associated services,” Minister Persaud said.
Dust collector systems
As it relates to the company’s earlier investment in the construction of the US$ 6 million dust collector systems, the minister happily announced that one of the two units is 90 per cent completed. “… in fact, they have given a timeframe of a few weeks to have two other components brought in and have that dust trapping mechanism in place,” he said.
The unit attached to the other kiln, Kiln 13, is more than 40 per cent completed, Officials of the company told media operatives during a previous press conference in Linden.
Bosai’s general secretary, Major General Norman McLean noted that the public should demonstrate patience as the company strives to make good on promises made to the people of Linden.
“I think we have to understand that it is a major bag house that is being built there, which is costing millions of U.S. dollars and it is near completion and the commitment I have from the members of the board is that it will be done before June and we are hoping to have an opening.”
More than 40 engineers and specialists have reportedly travelled to Guyana to lead the local team in the construction and erection of the two dust collector systems for Kiln 13 and 14.
While the company awaits the completion of the dust collector systems, it has already secured two generators which will aid in the company meeting its electrical needs as well as that of the town.
Environment agreements
On Wednesday, the Guyana Environmental Protection Agency and the bauxite company were expected to meet as they move one step closer in finalising environmental related agreements.
While the company’s expansion will boost the country’s economy, the minister stated that the move to maintain a sustainable and eco-friendly environment is of great importance.
Persaud added that while the government will continue to endorse developmental activities such as the expansion of the bauxite company, it is still responsible for sustaining the environment. The expansion projects and the operationalisation of the dust collector systems will result in the creation of more than 500 jobs.
In addition to the outlined projects, the bauxite company is seeking to secure properties for permanent residents. According to Minister Persaud the company has intentions of maintaining a long-term investment in Guyana.
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