THE need for an integrated approach to develop the bauxite sector was stressed by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Robert Persaud when he addressed stakeholders at a review of the industry at Watooka House, Linden.

Persaud noted that government was fully aware of the importance of the industry hence its creation of the Bauxite Development Unit to oversee a coordinated approach to manage a sector which has, “tremendous growth potential”. With operations of the two companies, BOSAI and RUSAL, set to expand, all factors must be carefully managed to ensure the best benefits to both Guyana and its citizens.
He said government has worked hard to bring the industry from its lows in the 1980s to present day levels of profitability. He added that the Administration recognises the need to further develop Region 10’s economy and the role that bauxite will play in enabling this to occur.
Among ideas being examined is the construction of an aluminum smelter and other value- added components to boost the sector, the minister said.
The review forum, described as the first of a series, was not intended to criticise companies, but one in which stakeholders and companies can meet to better understand each other and discuss ideas in going forward, “Genuine cooperation is needed; if this is not done then an enabling environment will not be created,” Persaud noted.
He warned that all companies must operate within the laws and reminded stakeholders that they must be proactive in dealing with issues that may arise, especially those related to the environment.
Delivering a short address, Region Ten Chairman, Sharma Solomon, said that the companies’ growth was commendable, but many issues still needed to be addressed. He cited the unresolved case of 57 RUSAL staffers dismissed without their benefits along with dust pollution problems, and called on the ministry to assist in addressing these issues. He also commended the ministry for organising the event and said that stakeholders must be consulted, representatives invited to board meetings and issues taken on board.
Other stakeholders were also given the opportunity to raise issues of concern that needed to be addressed.
Representatives of both BOSAI and RUSAL gave presentations on their operations for 2012 and projections for 2013.
BOSAI representatives, Orin Barwell and George Zhao in their presentations said that in 2012 their production was as follows: Refractory Grade Super Calcined Bauxite (RAS) – 204,621 tonnes, Special Cement Grade Bauxite (SCGB) – 118,044 tonnes, Cement Grade Bauxite (CEGB) – 321,279 tonnes, and Metallurgical Grade Bauxite (MAZ) – 647,882 tonnes.
The company’s projections for 2013 are RAS – 235,625 tonnes, SCGB – 107,364 tonnes, CEGB – 55,004 tonnes and MAZ – 892,994 tonnes. The officials also said a sum of approximately $12 million was spent on the community as part of its social mandate.
RUSAL’s Representative, Mr. K C Singh in his overview said that 1.577 million tonnes of ore was produced and sold and his company expects to expand this to 1.9 million tonnes in 2013.
He indicated that RUSAL spent close to $20M on various projects as part of its social obligation to the Region 10 community.