-Omai Gold CEO says, cites infrastructure, policy support as key advantages

GUYANA continues to strengthen its reputation as an attractive destination for large-scale mining investment, with President and Chief Executive Officer of Omai Gold Mines Corp Elaine Ellingham highlighting the country’s expanding infrastructure, pro-investment policies, and long-term development agenda as key drivers of investor confidence.

Ellingham made this known during an interview with the KE Report (Korelin Economics Report), where she noted that Guyana offers a favourable environment for mining companies seeking to establish long-term operations, noting that the country’s continued investment in infrastructure has significantly improved the operating landscape.

She pointed to the completion of paved road access to the Omai Junction as one of several developments that have enhanced connectivity to the company’s operations, reducing travel time from the international airport to approximately three-and-a-half hours.

“For us, having a paved road is really a luxury. It’s a luxury for any mine anywhere in the world,” Ellingham said.

She went on to note that improved transport infrastructure is particularly valuable in a country with high annual rainfall.

Beyond transportation, she indicated that Guyana’s plans to expand its energy infrastructure could further enhance the competitiveness of mining operations.

Against this backdrop, she referenced the proposed Amelia Falls Hydropower Project, and the country’s natural gas-to-energy developments, describing access to lower-cost and cleaner energy as a significant advantage for future mining projects.

She noted that Omai Gold has already expressed interest in sourcing power from the planned hydropower facility, which is expected to supply electricity through a transmission line located approximately 20 kilometres from the company’s proposed plant site.

Ellingham went on to praise Guyana’s supportive investment climate, describing the country as pro-mining with a skilled local workforce capable of supporting large-scale resource development.

“If a company wants to come into a new jurisdiction, Guyana has been great for us. They’re very pro-mining; they understand that, and there are lots of skills in-country,” she said.

The company’s chief executive added that investors are increasingly seeking jurisdictions where projects can operate over the long term, and she believes Guyana offers that certainty.