Latest update March 29th, 2025 5:38 AM
Canadian mining firm closes operations, staffers claim “millions owed”
A Canadian gold mining company exploring in Puruni, Region Seven, is reportedly in deep trouble, with several workers now claiming that they are owed millions of dollars.
CEO and President, Gregory Sparks
The company, Sacre-Coeur Minerals Limited, has also been rocked by resignations, including that of Gregory Sparks, President and Chief Executive of its local subsidiary operations, Sacre Couer Mining (SCM.V), among others.
Yesterday, officials from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) said that the matter is engaging its attention and that of the Ministry of Natural Resources.
The money owed to staffers is also engaging the attention of the Ministry of Labour.
The company has reportedly failed to secure financing for its ambitious Lower Puruni Block, which includes properties at what is known as the “Million Mountain” areas.
According to Gregory Bobb, 36, who operated as a foreman until late last year, he is owed more than $3M. Bobb retained the services of attorney-at-law Patrice Henry who on August 27th, wrote Dawn Austin, an official of Sacre-Coeur.
Bobb, according to the lawyer’s letter, worked with Sacre-Coeur based on a contract executed on May 27th, 2011. However, since August last year, when it became clear that the company was unable to raise financing to continue its operations, Bobb remained unpaid. In August of this year, Sacre-Coeur terminated Bobb’s services.
Bobb said that over 60 employees remained unpaid with reports that the company was not liquidating its assets.
The lawyer, in giving the mining company two weeks to pay up, said that he was prepared to take legal action, in which demands would also be made for severance pay.
The matter has also come to the attention of the High Commission of Canada.
According to an email correspondence, dated late July, seen by Kaieteur News and addressed to another staffer, Vinoud, who is also claiming outstanding monies, Trade Commissioner, Nicole Johnson, advised the ex-staffer to seek legal representation, while attempts were made for Sparks to speak to the aggrieved employees.
On September 9th, the Ministry of Natural Resources in a letter to Vinoud, said that the matter is now one for the Labour Ministry.
In late August, Sacre-Coeur announced that its CEO had resigned, so had its Chairman, Ardito Martohardjono, and Director, William Harris. Company Secretary, Bipin Ghelani, also tendered his resignation.
Yesterday, calls to Sacre-Coeur offices in Eccles went unanswered, and according to Bobb, company officials are not responding to calls.
The company said it has been exploring for gold in Guyana since 2005.
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