RUSAL to expand operations - brings in US$21M equipment
- another expression of confidence in Guyana’s economy
Georgetown, GINA, April 4, 2012
As the country’s economy continues to prove its robustness, more companies, investors and organisations are showing interest in investing and expanding their operations in Guyana. The Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc (BCGI)/ RUSAL has invested over US$21M more worth of equipment into its operations at Aroiama, Region 10.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds was on site today to join the management and staff of the company as they commissioned over 130 pieces of heavy- duty and light machinery, adding to its current fleet. The equipment was brought in from the company’s Jamaica operations.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and General Manager of RUSAL/BCGI Ruslan Volokhov reaffirming their dedication to making the bauxite industry more prosperous
Prime Minister Hinds while congratulating the company on its progress achieved, reflected on some of the turmoil that the People’s Progressive Party Civic Government had to overcome in the bauxite industry when it assumed office, when all seemed lost in bauxite but, it kept the faith and was able overcome those challenges and later welcomed several companies including Bosai and RUSAL.
“Government is committed to working with the company to ensure that a profitable bauxite operation continues in the area…and most of all, the people who came to this area in the earlier days and stayed must be commended for effort and dedication to the industry ,” Prime Minister Hinds said.
Some of the heavy equipment that was commissioned at Aroaima, Region Ten
The company plans to expand their operations into new areas and mining, he said will definitely be a plus for Guyana, since this will create more economic opportunities and jobs for the residents and Guyana at large.
While reflecting on the history of nationalisation of industries, he said, “Guyana had a natural advantage in bauxite in the 1980s and 1960s and by the time it was ready to be nationalised it was a real challenge, especially in acquiring the skills and machinery”.
In this regard, the Prime Minister urged the workers to ensure maximum use of and benefits derived from the equipment during its life expectancy.
General Manager of RUSAL/BCGI Ruslan Volokhov handing over a gift to Prime Minister Samuel Hinds
“Our workers can do excellent work and on many occasions our workers would have gone beyond the call of duty…but we need to ensure that we put out our best every day and every minute so that we in Guyana can get the best from the equipment that we have,” Prime Minister Hinds urged.
Bauxite has made a significant contribution to Linden and thus Government is focus on ensuring it remains a vital industry.
General Manager of RUSAL/BCGI Ruslan Volokhov said that equipment will aid the company to expand its operations in the Upper Berbice River area and thus creating more jobs and wealth for the people of Guyana. The equipment, he said will be a significant boost for the industry and Guyana.
In addition, Volokhov said that the machinery will be used to maintain the road from Linden to Aroaima.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds meeting workers of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc (BCGI)/ RUSAL, Aroaima Region 10
The machinery includes 64 heavy - duty vehicles, 30 light vehicles and 40 pieces of auxiliary equipment.
In 2007, RUSAL sealed an agreement with the Government of Guyana which saw the commencement of the Aroaima operations. The agreement gives the Government of Guyana control over 10 percent share in the company which produces over 2.2 million tonnes of bauxite annually.
The company also operates in Italy, Jamaica, Australia, China, Ireland and Sweden.
Director of Sport and a board member of the BCGI’s Board, Neil Kumar was also present at the commissioning ceremony.
The event also saw workers being awarded for their long standing and dedicated commitment to the company.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds addressing at the gathering at the commissioning of over 130 pieces of heavy duty and light machinery at RUSAL, Aroaima Region 10