Georgetown, GINA, January 30, 2004

As the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) continues to facilitate mining investment in the mining regions of the country, another overseas investor has expressed interest in gold mining.
According to GGMC Commissioner, Robeson Benn, Ontario Incorporated, a Canadian group, is examining the prospects of developing a gold mine this year at Peter’s Mine, historically an old underground mine located in the Puruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni).
Noting that the environmental permit and mine planning is well advanced, the GGMC head said the Canada group intends to initially work the mine as an open pit and then proceed to underground excavation.
Meanwhile, at Marudi Mountain in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), Vanessa Ventures is moving apace with its development works and seeking a permit for a gold mine. The GGMC anticipates that that project will also come on stream this year.
On the Konawaruk River, Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) there has been a repackaging of the land tenure situation, where a group comprising Canadians, Americans and Guyanese has put up a mining investment plan.
Equipment is currently being imported for this investment and a mine plan underway, to ensure that the mining poses minimal environmental threat to the Konawaruk River.
Benn disclosed that Vanessa Ventures experienced “teething” problems on its Maple Creek diamond/gold prospect and development, but these are being ironed out with the hope of seeing steady production this year from the Marudi site.
In addition to the ensuing medium-scale investments, the mines Commissioner said there have been a number of medium-scale investments in various areas of the country, including the North West District, Mahdia, Quart Stone and Aremu.
He noted that because these operations employ improved environmental practices, the GGMC is encouraged that miners are adopting the correct operational standards.
The issues of declaration, the stimulation of growth and job creation remain major concerns for the GGMC. Malaria, mine safety and general health improvements, along with environmental practices, are also being continually examined.
Over the next two years, the GGMC plans to facilitate the mining industry, in an effort to bring about improvements in overall productivity, recovery and deficiencies.