First Bauxite LLC, a natural resource company engaged in the exploration and development of bauxite deposits in Guyana, South America has indicated to the Government of Guyana, regarding its intention to build an aluminium smelter in the country, provided natural gas, a cheap source of electricity generator, could be brought from offshore located hydrocarbon fields.

Finance Minister of Guyana, Winston Jordan said: “They said if we can bring natural gas in sufficient quantities, they are prepared to put a smelter right there in Guyana.” He communicated at the turning-of-the-sod for two hotels at former sugarcane estate lands at Ogle, East Coast Demerara.

Winston Jordan announced as First Bauxite draw up to commission its Bauxite mine this week at Bonasika, Upper Demerara River. He also made a note that the company is very much excited with the high-grade Bauxite that is available in Bonasika. He remarked “It is the finest bauxite that they have worked with. When you go there, you’ll see it. Superb! Superb!”

The Guyana Power and Light Company bought very recently generator sets valued $41 million, which could use natural gas to generate cheaper electricity for the Demerara-Berbice interconnected system.

The Government of Guyana and ExxonMobil are yet to finalize arrangements for the extraction and shipment of natural gas to shore and already a location at Mahaicony had been identified to set up a natural gas plant.

ExxonMobil had made it clear that its primary use of natural gas is for reinjection into the oil well to sustain the pressure needed for crude oil extraction.