In an effort to boost activities in the local mining sector the governments of Guyana and China on Monday signed an agreement to facilitate Chinese geologists working here.
In a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) said the agreement is part of its ongoing efforts to fill vacant positions within its offices. The agreement will facilitate the “initial entry of two geologists, following which additional human resources are expected to be supplied in the field. These will be operating on a contractual basis and will be remunerated by the Commission.” The agreement was signed at the GGMC’s Brickdam office.
Additionally, an Indian national is working along with the GGMC under a private arrangement.
GINA said the government has also arranged for geologists to be trained at the University of Guyana to acquire more expertise in the area. Acting Commissioner William Woolford said the GGMC is sponsoring a number of staff members, along with scholarship awardees, to pursue studies in various mining disciplines at the university. He said the GGMC aims to have 10 persons trained annually at the university over the next five years.
GINA said mining is a major economic pillar and contributes about 30% of the country’s gross domestic product. The GGMC has focused on this area over the years and is intensifying efforts to develop non-traditional mining including uranium, magnesium and iron ore.
