– Minister Persaud
THE expansion of Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Inc. operations in Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Upper Berbice) involves an investment in excess of US$100M.
When executed in  phases, it will see the creation of some 500 jobs, it was reported, on Monday, after Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Mr. Robert Persaud met with officials of the Chinese bauxite mining company, to follow up on the commitments made and make the latter aware of Government concerns. During the meeting, at the Ministry in Office of the President, Minister Persaud revealed that, among the issues discussed, were expanding Bosai activities in Linden, the environmental impact and the benefits of the rejuvenation of the industry to the community.
He explained: “The Company is in the throes of a major expansion. The Government has an interest in the company and we want to ensure that the plans are on stream and, from the Government’s standpoint, as a shareholder, that those commitments are met.”
In addition, Persaud revealed that the prospect of the company acquiring properties to have permanent residents in the Region was also discussed and he said it shows the long term interest Bosai has in Linden bauxite.
Speaking to the benefits, he said: “More importantly, the community of Region 10, which will be the main beneficiary, can continue to look forward to, not only the rejuvenation of the industry, but also an expansion creating hundreds more jobs in other associated services.
“After meeting with the principals, I am pleased with the progress being made, so far, and I am sure certain decisions will be taken that will see the continued commitment by the company in this regard.”
Continuing, Minister Persaud said Monday’s talks touched on certain other issues, in terms of the operations, including the dust trapping activity.
Dust trapping
“The company has assured this is more than 90 percent completed and they have given a timeframe of a few weeks to have two other components brought in and to have that dust trapping mechanism in place. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be finalising an agreement with the company and we hope that will be done soon. They are scheduled to meet on Wednesday, whereby we can have some concrete specific commitments,” he added.
Acknowledging that development comes with a price, the minister underscored the importance of ensuring that the environment is safeguarded, while simultaneously assisting and supporting the company in expanding and creating more jobs.
He said: “It is not only about the company expanding, creating jobs and bringing in foreign exchange into the national economy, but also we must look at the environmental aspect. That is part of our overall thrust to promote low carbon development, sound mining and sound development. The bauxite industry has taken a very positive turn; we see what Rusal did in terms of the Berbice River and what Bosai is doing in Linden and it augurs well and the fact that the country is thinking long term is good.”
Secretary to the company, Major General (ret’d) Norman McLean announced that two new products will be produced which will expand its market share in this area and increase revenue.
The company will also be looking to expand the electricity capability in Linden, to support the mining operations, he said.
Mr. Mc Lean also identified other benefits of the expansion, particularly the addition of the third kiln and the implementation of the dust collection.
“We are very committed to the expansion of the project. For the first time in 40 or more years, we will have a dust collector which will trap the dust and we are very committed to that. From the point of view of the company, it is very important that be done. We will see that improvement by the end of June,” he announced.

McLean used the forum to address the recent concerns in certain sections of the media, about the environmental impact of the mining, especially dust pollution which has been a major issue.
He said: “In response to recent articles, which said we have not met specific deadlines, we have to understand that the project costs millions of dollars and it is nearing completion. The commitment I have from the members of the Board is that it will be done before June. We have had community members visit the location and we have seen the massive nature of the work going on there. Over 40 expatriates are coming from China to ensure that is being done.”
Minister Persaud had, earlier, assured that the issues discussed at Monday’s meeting with the company’s General Manager, Mr. George Zhao and other Board members, including Mr. John Liu and Mr. Steven Ma, would have been raised with Bosai’s Board later in the day.