Guyana’s Kurupung Uranium Plan Runs Into Indigenous Opposition

A Canadian-controlled uranium exploration project in Guyana's Region Seven, known as Kurupung, is facing significant opposition from Indigenous communities over gaps in consultation processes. Despite holding a historical resource estimate of 20.6 million pounds of uranium, the project's progress has been hampered by delays in informing affected communities of its existence.

The project, managed by U92 Energy Corp, received prospecting licenses in April 2024, yet the public became aware of the venture only in April 2026, following media reports. The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) and local leaders, such as Region Seven Vice-Chair Alden Marslowe, argue that the project failed to adhere to principles of free, prior, and informed consent, a key commitment from the Guyana government under international frameworks.

The project is situated in a heavily forested area in western Guyana, with a coverage of approximately 92.2 square kilometers. However, the government has not ruled out the possibility of proceeding with the project, pending the environmental approval by the Guyana EPA. The ongoing controversy underscores the delicate balance the government must strike between advancing its mining sector ambitions and honoring its commitments to Indigenous rights and international standards.