GUYANA will soon be receiving scientific and technical capacity training in geology and mining from Chile following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to this effect.
The MOU was signed on Sunday between the Government of Guyana and the National Service of Geology and Mining Government of the Republic of Chile (SERNAGEOMIN).
It was signed by Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman and Chile´s Minister of Mining Baldo Prokurica and SERNAGEOMIN.
A release from the ministry explained that the MoU provides a framework for the exchange of scientific and technical knowledge and the augmentation of scientific and technical capabilities.
Forms of cooperation under the MOU may consist of exchanges of technical information; visits; participation in training courses, conferences, and symposia; the exchange of professional geoscientists in areas of mutual interest and any other cooperative research consistent with programmes of the involved parties.
Specific areas of cooperation also include — but are not limited to — Geochemical and Geological Mapping and Data Analysis, Economic Geology and Metallogenesis.
It will be exchanged between the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and SERNAGEOMIN with respect to Earth Sciences and Mining.
“The signing of this MoU brings to fruition areas discussed when His Excellency, President David Granger visited Chile two years ago. We look to Chile as a good example for productive and safe mining practices and how the proceeds of mining can be utilized for the benefit of the citizens,” Minster Trotman said, adding:
“This relationship between Guyana and Chile will benefit our people immensely and we can look to no better example than Chile of how to do it properly.”
Meanwhile, the Chilean Minister of Mining said that his country is pleased to be able to share its knowledge and expertise with Guyana.
He noted that Chile is known throughout the world as an important mining country. “We are very interested in signing this agreement and further collaboration especially in geological services … 20 per cent of mining services provided in Peru are Chileans,” Prokurica said.
At the signing, Manager of the Geological Services Division at GGMC, Gordon Nestor stated that the MOU clears the way for greater capacity building in the GGMC.
“It will help boost capacity for geological and land management platforms and the development of professionals in geo sciences, geo physics and structural management and data management,” he said. There are already three Chileans working at the GGMC. Collaboration between SERNAGEOMIN and GGMC commenced with two visits of GGMC staff to Chile and one from SERNAGEOMIN to the GGMC.
