Guyana Goldfields stops work at Aurora gold mine in Guyana

Gold mining company Guyana Goldfields has announced a wildcat work stoppage at the Aurora mine in South America.

The company’s flagship project and only operating mine, Aurora is located in Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Guyana.

A part of the workforce employed by the company’s fully owned subsidiary AGM blocked delivery of ore to the mill. Guyana, as a safety precaution, has temporarily suspended operations until a resolution is reached with the striking workers.

According to the company, the stoppage was a result of disputes between AGM management and open pit mining contractors.

AGM has been examining options to improve mining performance to ensure Aurora’s long-term mine life, said Guyana.

The company is currently in the process of dismissing all non-essential personnel from site, including the striking workers. According to Guyana, it is working with employees and following applicable laws and regulations, as well as facilitating communication with the relevant governmental labour authorities to understand and address employee concerns.

It is also making arrangements to have the workers meet with representatives of the Ministry of Labour to overcome the dispute.

In March, the company announced the decline of gold in proven and probable reserves to almost 1.7Moz, compared to estimates a year ago.

Guyana announced its first sale of 1,400oz of gold from Aurora Gold Mine in October 2015.

Based in Canada, the company is a mid-tier gold producer engaged in the exploration, development and operation of gold deposits in Guyana.