America seeks Guyana bauxite, counters China

Georgetown: The US has turned its attention to Guyana’s abundant bauxite reserves and other natural resources as the Trump administration sharpens its focus on Latin America’s energy and mineral wealth.

US Under Secretary for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg held talks this week with top Guyanese officials, including President Irfaan Ali, in the South American nation that is experiencing an oil boom.

Guyana’s large oil reserves, discovered over the past decade, have increased its geopolitical imp­ortance amid a global energy crisis linked to the Iran war. The country’s bauxite reser­ves are critical for aluminium production.

The visit also comes amid growing US concerns over Chinese companies securing major state contracts in Guyana. Chinese firm Bosai Minerals currently dominates the local bauxite sector.

Helberg said the US was interested in Guyana’s bauxite sector and could help conduct high-tech surveys to identify other mineral reserves.

Guyana Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud said the country wanted to attract more US investment in mining, oil and gas while focusing on value-added processing and improved energy generation.