Bosai to establish new kiln, dryer; to resuscitate Linden aluminium plant

Bauxite mining company, Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI), is looking forward to major future developments that will enhance its operations in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), which according to the company’s Secretary, Norman McLean, will also lead to a major boost in employment opportunities within the community.
At a recent meeting with representatives of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), McLean said the company is currently working to establish a new kiln, which will be added to the two already existing ones at its Linden operations; in addition to the setting up of a new dryer.
As a result, the company’s Secretary also indicated that Bosai is also seeking to re-implement its apprenticeship programme which was suspended a few years ago.
Additionally, McLean related that Bosai is working towards the resuscitation of the abandoned aluminium plant at Mackenzie, Linden. “I’m happy to report that Bosai is in the move to establish a number 15 kiln, a new one which will be a third kiln for our operation. That will be a real boost for employment here and we hope that this will be up and running sometime next year. But we’re already moving ahead with that and a new dryer as well. So, there’s very optimistic news being taken for the people of Linden,” he stated.
In an effort to have suitably qualified persons on the job, McLean said the company is also working towards the re-establishment of its apprenticeship programme which in the past saw scores of youths from the community benefiting. In 2015, the company had laid off approximately 30 of its apprentices, citing a decline in production and sales as the main reason.
The company had indicated that as a means of cutting back on its expenses, it was forced to release all of its apprentices. However, according to McLean, the new developments will see a re-introduction of the programme.
“The same will happen, because in order to provide qualified employment for our young people, we have to maybe go ahead with another hundred employees, another hundred apprentices because work will have to be up and running,” McLean added.
The establishment of a new aluminium plant by the company is also expected to boost employment once all goes well. “And we are not only looking forward to a new dryer and a new kiln but we’re looking forward as well to trying to resuscitate a new aluminium plant. That is something that we’re looking at and we’ve already filed with the GGMC (Guyana Geology and Mines Commission)…,” he said.
Citing environmental concerns, Regional Councillor Charles Sampson said it is his hope that the company takes adequate steps to protect the environment. “I hope that with Bosai’s improvement and whatever infrastructure they’re putting in, they put in the dust collectors. And putting in the dust collectors will not only take the dust out the atmosphere but it has a financial benefit for the company,” he noted.
McLean, however, assured that there is scope for development given the current environment at Bosai. “We are looking forward to not only putting in new apprentices and what have you but putting in for certain properties that are going to be needed to help feed that number 15 kiln and feed the dragger. So, I would love to say to the employees and the people of Linden that there’s optimism and scope for development in Linden given what is taking place,” McLean stated.