French government appoints new mining delegate to French Guiana – by John Williams (Global Mining Review – October 9, 2019)

https://www.globalminingreview.com/

Columbus Gold Corp. has announced that in September the French government appointed Didier Le Moine as the new mining delegate and coordinator of mining projects in French Guiana.

Le Moine, a mining engineer, formally held the position of Director of Industry, Mines and Energy in the French overseas territory of New Caledonia, where a nickel mining industry was successfully established.

Le Moine’s new mandate is to define, coordinate and implement actions for the development of a responsible mining industry in French Guiana that is compatible with France’s ecological ambitions, is respectful of the populations and generates wealth and jobs for the territory.

Rock Lefrançois, Columbus’ President and CEO, commented: “As French Guiana’s leading gold explorer, Columbus embraces the French government’s initiative to appoint a capable delegate to develop and coordinate mining in French Guiana. French Guiana is endowed with mineral rich and prospective geology and the territory should benefit from the responsible development of these resources.”

Mining is French Guiana’s second largest industry, mainly driven by artisanal miners and a few local small to medium size companies. Declared annual production and the number of mining operators has declined in recent years and the territory is currently plagued by illegal activity under unacceptable environmental and human conditions, and without any benefit for the territory.

For the rest of this article: https://www.globalminingreview.com/finance-business/09102019/french-government-appoints-new-mining-delegate-to-french-guiana/