THE new proposed investment of a possible US$700M in the mining area by ETK/Sandspring is more than welcome. However, Guyanese need to ask whether the additional 3% for gold over a $1,000 dollar price is the best deal we could have had. How does it compare to other deals around the world? In addition, this question should also be applied to the copper output mentioned in the deal. A recent investment company in the USA was advising their investors to consider investing in commodities such as copper. They said that copper consumption has grown and that growth is about to skyrocket as China and India make plans to modernise their crumbling infrastructure. They surmised that copper may become almost like gold in a few years, as it is needed for many things. They also pointed out that China may hold a monopoly on this mineral, which will push competition for it.

Finally, the GoG must spend whatever is necessary to ensure that Guyana receives its full share of the benefits from all mining projects and make sure that the data they receive is accurate.