The proposed redevelopment of the Omai gold mine could provide some 1,200 jobs during construction and another 800 to 850 during operations, prompting its developer to begin discussions with the Linden Technical Institute (LTI) on preparing workers.
Avalon Gold Exploration Inc., the Guyanese subsidiary of Canada-based Omai Gold Mines Corp., said in a statement on Friday that it recently engaged the institute on the technical skills and training that a future operation would require.
The company is targeting production in 2030. Construction could begin in approximately two years, but this remains dependent on technical studies, environmental and regulatory approvals, financing and a decision to proceed.
Avalon Chief Executive Officer Elaine Ellingham said early preparation would be necessary to meet growing demand for skilled workers in the mining sector.
“With the potential development of three to four major mines over the next five years, the demand for skills will expand. We need to identify the scope of skills that will be needed at the mines and then support the Institute to develop additional training modules or courses to provide the relevant mining-specific skills,” Ellingham said.
The company’s team toured LTI’s electrical, mechanical, business and other technical departments and held discussions with Principal Hector Anthony and Deputy Principal Keisha Luke-Garraway. Marcel Watson of the Board of Industrial Training also participated.
Among the skills identified for a future Omai operation were mining engineering, geology, geotechnical work, heavy-equipment operation, mechanics and construction. Catering and other support services would also be needed.
“On-site training will, of course, be an important part of the operations, and there are great opportunities once the mines are established to have regular co-op work terms for students or apprenticeships working with the Institute,” Ellingham said.
Avalon said it would explore possible training arrangements with LTI and the Board of Industrial Training, potentially involving other companies pursuing large-scale mining projects in Guyana.
The team also met with Linden Deputy Mayor Wainwright Bethune, Councillor Abdulla Hamid and other community representatives to discuss employment and business opportunities.
According to the company, Linden’s proximity to Omai, its industrial workforce and its historical ties to the mine make the town an important part of workforce planning. Bethune recalled learning grade-control skills while employed at Omai, which he later used in Linden’s bauxite industry.
Beyond direct jobs, Avalon identified transportation, equipment services, engineering, accommodation, catering and maintenance as areas in which Guyanese businesses could participate.
An August Preliminary Economic Assessment outlined a potential investment of approximately G$300 billion, with estimated gold production of 6.3 million ounces over the mine’s life.
Omai previously operated between 1992 and 2006, producing approximately 3.7 million ounces of gold.
Avalon said work on the proposed redevelopment is continuing, with employment estimates and future training arrangements dependent on the project advancing.
