Above: the Linden bauxite mining plant

By the Caribbean Journal staff

With increasing demand for Guyana’s bauxite, the country’s government has established a Bauxite Development Unit within the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission.

The unit will coordinate, oversee and assist in making recommendations on all aspects pertinent to bauxite resources in Guyana, from economic and environmental issues to health and safety.

The decision was taken in light of the expanded investment by Bauxite Company of Guyana and Bosai Minerals Group, along with the impending First Bauxite at Bonasika, with an investment of more than $120 million.

The unit, which will include an economist, a geologist and a mining engineer, will also mean increased engagement by the board of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission on bauxite issues.

Guyana Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud recently met with Bosai when the company announced its additional investment for a total of $100 million in the Linden area.