Make Uranium project a national conversation – APNU

Jun 25, 2026 News

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…questions whether country is ready to effectively regulate uranium extraction, manage associated risks

(Kaieteur News) – The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is calling on the Government of Guyana to properly inform the nation, on the Kurupung uranium project that is being developed by a Canadian firm in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element that serves as the primary fuel for nuclear power plants worldwide.  It is primarily used to produce electricity, providing a highly concentrated energy source and its special properties also make it the main source of fuel for nuclear reactors.

Kaieteur News first reported on the uranium project in April 2026. The project is owned by U92 Energy Corp. and covers an area of 92.2 square kilometres (km2).

In a letter to the editor, APNU Member of Parliament (MP) Sharma Solomon said the transfer of uranium exploration rights to the Canadian company calls for greater public disclosure, careful scrutiny, informed debate, and a serious national discussion about readiness, oversight, and the public interest.  He added that while the party is not opposed to investment or development, there needs to be responsible exploration and utilisation of Guyana’s natural resources.

The MP outlined that public disclosure is not a threat to investment but a prerequisite for confidence, legitimacy, and informed national decision-making.

He stated, “Uranium is unlike most other minerals. Across the world, its exploration, extraction, transportation, and storage are subject to stringent oversight because of the environmental, health, security, and long-term management challenges associated with the industry.”

As such, he noted that it is entirely reasonable to question whether Guyana possesses the technical expertise, regulatory systems, emergency response capacity, and monitoring capabilities required to effectively regulate uranium extraction and manage its associated risks.

“That answer cannot be provided by investors, press releases, or political declarations. It must be measured by the strength of our institutions, the effectiveness of our laws, and the capacity of our regulator,” the MP stated.

“For too long, Guyanese have been asked to embrace major resource developments before being provided with the information necessary to fully assess their implications,” he added.

The Canadian firm gained control of Guyana’s only uranium project through a 2026 acquisition of a Singaporean firm, LIA Industries Pte. Ltd. The Kurupung uranium project is listed as U92’s only project.

Research by this publication revealed that, LIA Industries formerly known as Arafura Oeste Pte. Ltd., indirectly holds mineral exploration rights to the Kurupung Property, through its wholly-owned subsidiary LIA (Guyana) Inc., a private limited liability company in Guyana which was incorporated on 20th March, 2023.

On 19th April, 2024, the Guyana Geology & Mines Commission (GGMC) granted LIA Guyana the “exclusive right of occupation and exploration” through the issuance of Exclusive Prospecting Licences (PLs). Exploration activities commenced the same year by the company.

U92 recently received TSX Venture Exchange approval and closed the agreement to acquire the complete historical technical and exploration dataset for its Kurupung project. Acquiring the dataset gives the company more than a decade of systematic exploration work and represents the core technical foundation supporting the project which has a historical resource estimate of 20.6 million-pound. The transaction also provides it with direct ownership of a substantial body of technical work that would be both costly and time-intensive to replicate.

Earlier this year, U92 entered into a commercial agreement with Orbit Garant for phase one 5,000 metre diamond drill programme at the project and has also submitted the required environmental application for drill pad preparation.

In his letter, Solomon stressed that before the project moves forward, government must answer the question whether the country is ready for uranium exploration and development.  He underscored that Guyana must avoid repeating the mistakes that have accompanied previous uranium and rare earth minerals developments.

“Before Guyana expands into increasingly complex forms of mineral extraction, there must be a serious assessment of whether the supporting infrastructure exists to safely and effectively manage these developments, protect surrounding communities, and ensure adequate oversight by the relevant authorities,” Solomon said.

He reiterated that any consideration of uranium development or rare earth mineral extraction must be preceded by stronger regulatory institutions, expanded technical capacity, comprehensive environmental safeguards, active parliamentary oversight, and meaningful engagement with Amerindian communities.

“The central question is not whether uranium exists beneath our soil. The central question is whether Guyana possesses the institutional strength, regulatory competence, and national preparedness required to manage such a resource responsibly,” the MP added.

This publication recently reported that U92’s Kurupung uranium project has been recognised by investors at the recently concluded CEM Bermuda Capital Event 2026, earning a place among the top five investment opportunities for its growth potential amid renewed global interest in nuclear energy.

The prospecting licences GGMC granted permit the exploration of uranium, other radioactive minerals, and rare earth elements (REEs) for a period of three years ending April 18, 2027. The licences may be extended upon application for a maximum of two additional one-year periods, extending the term to April 18, 2029.

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• APNU, Kurupung uranium project, U92’s Uranium Project

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