The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning has initiated a comprehensive investigation following the emergence of viral videos accusing Gold Mountain Ya Mei Construction Inc., a Chinese-owned company, of unsafe working conditions, unfair wages, and a failure to grant salary increases. The company, which operates at the Aurora Gold Mine, has firmly rejected these allegations, asserting that its operations comply with all national standards.
The videos, which surfaced in recent days, feature workers detailing claims of poor treatment, hazardous underground conditions, and dissatisfaction with pay and risk allowances. Despite the serious nature of these allegations, the Ministry noted that this is the first instance they have been raised, as no formal complaints had been submitted previously.
Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, has directed the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department to conduct an “immediate and thorough” investigation. This will involve inspecting the claims in the videos, meeting with affected workers, and assessing the company’s compliance with the Labour Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
The Ministry aims to consult all involved parties—employees, employers, and regulators—to uncover the facts. In light of the situation, Minister Griffith encouraged both workers and company representatives to engage with the Ministry for a peaceful conciliation process, as outlined in the Labour Act for resolving wage disputes and workplace grievances.
In response, Gold Mountain Ya Mei Construction Inc. has released a detailed statement categorically denying the allegations, describing them as “inaccurate and misleading.” The company emphasized its adherence to strict operational oversight, mentioning that its activities are subject to regular inspections by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A recent inspection conducted on November 21 and 22 reportedly revealed no concerns.
Gold Mountain Ya Mei asserted that it maintains rigorous standards for workforce management, equipment safety, and personal protective equipment (PPE) procurement. It also stated that all machinery is serviced by certified technicians to ensure compliance with safety protocols.
While acknowledging that workers had raised issues regarding wages and risk allowances, the company revealed that a meeting was convened on November 23 to address these concerns and indicated that further measures are under consideration.
The company reiterated its commitment to the well-being of its workforce, emphasizing its focus on strengthening communication, improving welfare programs, and ensuring safe work environments. They expressed a willingness to continue engaging positively with relevant authorities.
The Ministry of Labour reaffirmed its dedication to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring healthy, safe working conditions across all sectors. Both the Ministry and Gold Mountain Ya Mei Construction Inc. have committed to providing updates as the investigation and internal reviews proceed.
