LOCAL air carrier, Trans Guyana Airways (TGA), has been contracted by Canadian mining firm, Aurora Gold Mines (AGM), to provide flights into the company’s gold mining operations in the Cuyuni River from the Coastland.

According to a release from the gold mining firm, TGA was selected after a process in which several local airlines were engaged, following the advertising for expressions of interest in providing flight services to the mining firm and its parent company Guyana Goldfields Inc.
“We are happy we are able to expand our local content by allowing local providers in the aviation industry to provide us the service that we need, thus ensuring that more local players are involved. We are happy to partner with Trans Guyana on this journey,” said Peter Benny, Director, Corporate Office and Compliance.

In addition to an interview process with local carriers, the mining firm said Guyana Goldfield’s Supply Chain Director, Ravi Samaroo, and an AGM team met individually with local operators, in the event, that they had not seen the advertisement. It was noted that seven air charters responded to the advertisement. Following their expressions of interest, the charters were all asked to give information on the services they provide. The mining company said that the information, which included, among other things, relevant costs, number of airplanes owned by the company and dates of registration, was evaluated and TGA was given the nod to provide the services that AGM requires.

AGM moved to charter service after a decision was taken to sell the Twin Otter model aircraft the company procured last year. The twin otter is being sold overseas and it is due to depart Guyana around mid-June, the company said.
In the meantime, TGA will provide the spill-over flights until the twin otter departs.