Aurora Gold Mines Inc. (AGM) has issued a formal legal demand to Kaieteur News, seeking a retraction of false and damaging statements regarding the companyโs gold production figures for 2023 and 2024.
In a letter dated May 23, 2024, attorney-at-law Kimberly Yearwood, acting on behalf of AGM, addressed an article published by Kaieteur News titled โAGM racked in US$185M from Guyanaโs gold project last year.โ
According to Yearwood, the article contains numerous inaccuracies and misrepresentations about AGMโs gold production, which could have serious legal and financial consequences for the company.
It was stated that the article alleges that AGM produced โ3 tonnes (105,821,880 ounces) of goldโ in 2023 and projects production of โ3.7 tonnes (130,515,652 ounces) of goldโ for 2024.
AGM asserts, โThese figures are grossly inaccurate and demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of basic unit conversions in the context of gold production.โ To this end, it was stated that the correct figures can be verified through the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) or the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).
Yearwoodโs letter also highlights the potential implications of such misreporting, suggesting that the publicationโs claims could falsely imply that AGM has made inaccurate declarations to under report gold production, and potentially avoiding proper royalty payments and taxes.
โSuch implications are not only unfounded but also defamatory, potentially exposing us to unwarranted scrutiny from regulatory authorities, legal challenges and severe penalties. This could undermine our compliance records and damage our standing with statutory bodies,โ it was further stated.
Furthermore, AGM warned that such inaccuracies undermine its credibility and integrity, crucial for maintaining trust with investors and stakeholders. The company fears that dissemination of false information could lead to financial losses, including decreased stock prices, weakened investor relations, and hindered investment opportunities.
To rectify the situation, AGM demanded the following from Kaieteur News within 10 business days; publish a retraction, a correction and an apology.
It was outlined, โShould Kaieteur News fail to comply with these demands within 10 business days from the date of this letter, we will be compelled to pursue all legal remedies available to us, up to and including the institution of a civil lawsuit against you for defamation.
The letter concluded, โWe are prepared to take all necessary legal actions to protect our reputation, ensure accurate information dissemination and seek redress for the damages incurred.โ
See copy of letter below: 
