The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning has launched a full investigation into a series of viral videos circulating on social media, which accuse the Chinese-owned Gold Mountain Ya Mei Construction Inc. of unsafe working conditions, unfair wages and failure to grant salary increases—allegations the company firmly rejects, insisting its operations at the Aurora Gold Mine are compliant with all national standards.
The videos, which gained wide traction over the last two days, feature workers alleging poor treatment, hazardous underground conditions, and dissatisfaction with their pay and risk allowances. The Ministry said that despite the seriousness of the claims, no formal complaint had ever been lodged before, making this the first time such issues were being brought to its attention through public circulation.
Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, has since directed the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department to launch an “immediate and thorough” investigation. Inspectors will review the allegations raised in the videos, meet with affected workers, and examine the company’s compliance with the Labour Act and Occupational Safety and Health Act.
The Ministry emphasised that it intends to consult all relevant parties—including employees, employers, and regulators—to establish the facts. As part of its response, the Minister urged workers and company representatives to visit the Ministry to begin a peaceful conciliation process, which the Labour Act provides for when wage disputes or workplace grievances arise.
At the same time, Gold Mountain Ya Mei Construction Inc. issued a detailed statement strongly rejecting the circulating allegations. The company said the claims are “inaccurate and misleading” and do not reflect how it manages its underground operations at Aurora.
The company highlighted that its operations are subject to continuous oversight, including quarterly inspections by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It also referenced a recent two-day inspection from 21 to 22 November, during which officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and GGMC conducted an overnight site visit, toured the underground mine, and interacted freely with employees. According to the company, the visiting team reported no concerns based on those interactions.
Gold Mountain Ya Mei said it maintains strict systems governing workforce management, equipment standards, and safety protocols, including the procurement of globally recognised Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). It added that all machinery is maintained by certified mechanics, in keeping with its safety obligations.
The company also acknowledged that workers had recently raised issues relating to wages and risk allowances. In response, management convened a meeting on 23 November to address the concerns and said further measures are being actively considered.
In a follow-up release, the company stressed its commitment to the well-being of its workers, saying it remains focused on strengthening communication, improving welfare programmes, and ensuring safe workspaces. It added that it values employee feedback and will continue to engage constructively with relevant authorities.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring safe, healthy working environments across all sectors. Both the Ministry and the company said additional updates will be provided as the official investigation and internal reviews progress.