Electrician killed in conveyor belt accident at Guyana Manganese Inc.

Siyuan Chen, a Chinese electrician employed at Guyana Manganese Incorporated (GMI), lost his life on Thursday after becoming entangled in a conveyor belt system at the company’s wash plant in Matthew’s Ridge, Region One.

The fatal incident occurred around 1:45 PM on June 5, 2025, while Mr. Chen was reportedly monitoring the conveyor belt. Preliminary findings suggest he became caught in the moving machinery, resulting in the loss of his right arm and subsequently his life.

The Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department has since launched an investigation into the accident. OSH Officer Mr. Chavez Daniels, along with Environmental Officer Mr. Sergio Phillander from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), is leading the probe to determine the root cause and provide recommendations to prevent future incidents.

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton has expressed sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to Mr. Chen’s relatives, co-workers, and friends, reiterating the Ministry’s concern over workplace safety.

The investigation is ongoing.