Labour Ministry Probes Allegations at Chinese-Owned Mines
November 25, 2025 — The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning has announced a full investigation into allegations of unsafe working conditions, and concerns over wages and salary increases, following the circulation of several videos on social media.
The videos reportedly involve employees of the Chinese-owned Aurora Gold Mines/Zijin Mining Group Ltd. and Zion Gold Mountain Ya Mei Construction Inc.
According to a statement from the Ministry, no formal complaints had been previously lodged regarding the issues highlighted. Officials confirmed that this is the first time such concerns have reached the Ministry through public channels, prompting immediate action.
Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning – Keoma Griffith
Labour Minister Keoma Griffith has since directed the Ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department to launch a comprehensive investigation into the allegations presented in the videos. “The Ministry will consult all relevant parties to gather facts and determine the appropriate course of action,” the release stated.
Addressing the video concerning wages, salaries, and fringe benefits, Minister Griffith urged both employees and employers to visit the Ministry to commence a peaceful conciliation process, in keeping with the provisions of the Labour Act. The process, he noted, is designed to ensure both sides reach a mutually satisfactory outcome.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting workers across Guyana, emphasising its mandate to ensure all employees work under fair, safe, and healthy conditions.
See full statement from the ministry here: “The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning is aware of several videos currently circulating on the Facebook page Team Mohamed’s, involving the Chinese-owned companies Aurora Gold Mines/Zijin Mining Group Ltd. and Zion Gold Mountain Ya Mei Construction Inc., specifically concerning workers’ health and safety, as well as wages and salary increases.
The Ministry has confirmed that no formal complaints regarding these issues have been submitted previously. This is the first time such concerns have come to our attention through public circulation, and they will be addressed.
The Honourable Keoma Griffith, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, has instructed the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department to conduct a thorough and immediate investigation into he allegations presented in the videos.
The Ministry will consult all relevant parties to gather facts and determine the appropriate course of action.
Regarding the video on wages, salaries, and fringe benefits, the Minister encourages al interested parties, ncluding both employeesand employers, to visit the Ministry to initiate a peaceful conciliation process, in line with the country’s Labour Act, which aims o ensure that poth parties are satisfied following its conclusion.
The Ministry reaffirms its strong commitment to ensuring that all workers in Guyana are treated fairly and work in safe, healthy environments, in accordance with our mandate to protect workers rights and well-being.
Minister Griffith reiterates hat while the Labour Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act provide the legal framework governing employer-employee relations, workplace safety, and dispute resolution, the Ministry remains dedicated to strengthening protections and ensuring compliance _across all sectors.“
