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Rusal threatens legal action against Kwakwani loggers

May 29, 2012 News

 

Russian-owned Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (Rusal) has threatened legal action over the unloading of logs at its Kwakwani waterfront facility.
According to the company, over the weekend, it started to talk with the loggers association of Upper Berbice, operating in the Region Ten area, to find a mutually agreeable solution to the problem of illegal offloading of logs and loggers’ trucks crossing there.
Under the agreement with the Government of Guyana, BCGI said it was given a permit to manage and operate the facility which is used to berth barges taking bauxite ore from the mines to the company’s Aroaima plant to ships bound for overseas.
“The facility is critical to the BCGI operations. Any down time at the facility caused by damage or other inconveniences could result in work at the company being scaled back, ultimately affecting company workers and revenues.”
Rusal said that it is concerned that illegal offloading of logs and crossing of loggers’ trucks at the Kwakwani waterfront facility will not only cause damage but it is also a major occupational safety violation and could result in serious injury or even fatalities.
“BCGI is of the firm position that the loggers should honour the provisions set out in the mining permits granted by the Government of Guyana. BCGI has been granted the legal right and responsibility to manage and operate the facility.
“As a major investor in bauxite mining in Guyana and a major employer, BCGI believes it is within its right to demand that the security of its facilities and investments be protected and preserved and that any attempt to blackmail the company into relinquishing its rights must be condemned.”
The bauxite company, which has been embroiled in labour wrangling in recent years following the dismissal of 60-odd workers from Region Ten, insisted that it is a major employer there, an area that has one of the lowest employment rates in the country.
At present, BCGI employs 518 persons.
“Last month the company brought in a fleet of heavy duty equipment and machinery valued at US$21 million. BCGI is also to be granted licences by the Government of Guyana to expand its operations into two additional mining areas. These investments will necessitate the employment of additional staff.
“ This year alone it is anticipated that the number of Guyanese employed with the company should reach 600 while in 2013 that number should go up to over 800 persons. Also, BCGI provides contractual work for an additional 300 persons.”
The company also noted that it has given back to the communities in the area, supporting the development of small business enterprises in Aroaima, a nearby area where mining activities are also taking place. For the past year, three shops were opened there.
“BCGI recognises the value of logging to residents of the Region Ten area. Likewise, BCGI is strictly calling on the loggers to respect the mining order established by Guyanese law and to appreciate the difficulties BCGI and the hundreds of workers employed by the company would have to endure if the waterfront facility is damaged or if anyone is injured or worse.”
Rusal said that failure to have the matter addressed in a peaceful manner may force BCGI to seek redress in the local courts.

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