(Kaieteur News) – Guyana lacks the regulatory capacity, technical expertise, and institutional readiness to safely oversee uranium mining operations, former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) head Dr. Vincent Adams has warned — noting that the country’s track record in environmental governance offers little reason for confidence.

His warning comes as Canada-based U92 Energy Corp. moves to advance the Kurupung uranium project in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), following its acquisition of Singaporean firm LIA Industries Pte. Ltd. earlier this year. The project spans 92.2 square kilometres and carries a historical resource estimate of 20.6 million pounds of uranium — and it is currently U92’s only listed project.

Speaking with HGPTV Nightly News, Dr. Adams was unsparing in his assessment. “Guyana just based on their track record do not have it, they do not understand what it takes to have it, and they have no interest in providing that capacity to take on such an operation,” he said. “They have no clue what they’re getting into. Have no clue whatsoever.”