China Harbour Engineering Company Guyana Incorporated (CHEC Guyana) yesterday denied that it had been hired by Chinese gold miner Zijin Mining Group Co.
In a statement, CHEC Guyana noted with concern an article that appeared in yesterday’s edition of Stabroek News ‘Japarts says sidelined by Chinese miner in favour of CHEC – private sector to ask Ali to intervene’.
“CHEC Guyana wishes to make clear that it has no contract with the company named in the article, and therefore, requests a retraction of this accusation.
“CHEC Guyana supports local content development. More than fifty percent of our local workforce is made up of Guyanese workers.
“We would like to encourage members of the media to seek to verify information they may possess, before publishing”, the company said.
Following complaints by local businessman Terry Singh that his company has been replaced at the Chinese-owned Aurora Gold Mines (AGM), the Private Sector Commission (PSC) has written to President Irfaan Ali calling on him to address concerns about local content being at stake.
Previously Canadian-owned, AGM is now owned by Zijin Mining and concerns have been raised as to whether local suppliers and partners will be retained by the company.
This newspaper understands that Singh’s company was contracted to provide transport and also leased heavy-duty equipment to the company. He had invested US millions to purchase the equipment. He was on contract with AGM but when it was bought over he was notified that his services were no longer needed.
