Latest update September 20th, 2026 10:38 AM
Aurora gold miners down tools, demand 10% pay hike
(Kaieteur News) – A proposed 6 per cent increase in wages by Aurora Gold Mines (AGM) owned by Chinese state-owned Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd., and discontent among workers about working conditions resulted in a brief work stoppage on Sunday.
Workers are requesting at least 10 per cent increase in their wages, citing the increase in the gold operations. The Aurora Gold Project, located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), is wholly owned by AGM and remains Guyana’s only large-scale gold mine currently in production. It holds estimated reserves of 184 tonnes (approximately six million ounces) of gold.
AGM confirmed the incident but noted it was a, “brief work stoppage”, at the mills round pad area. It said the stand-down took place between 07:18 hrs. and 08:10 hrs. and involved employees from the mills department. “The matter related to discussions on a proposed wage adjustment. Employees expressed their position during the period of the stand down,” AGM said.
AGM Inc. said engagement followed between its human resources department and union representatives, including direct communication with the union’s general secretary, after which employees agreed to return to work. Mill operations resumed at 08:18 hrs, and operations continue as normal.
Notably, a formal meeting between management and union representatives is scheduled for Tuesday, December 30, to continue negotiations.
AGM also said it remains committed to respectful dialogue, workplace stability, and constructive engagement with employees and their representatives as discussions continue.
Notably, the Chinese company took over the operations back in 2020.
AGM Inc., earned RMB1.4789 billion (over US$200 million) from the Aurora Gold Mine during the first half of 2025. The company’s interim report valued the mine’s total assets at RMB4.5287 billion and disclosed that it produced 2,039 kilograms (over 71,000 ounces) of gold between January and June. Aurora’s output contributed to the 41,186 kilograms of gold produced across its global operations, marking a 16 per cent increase over the same period last year.
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