Latest update November 15th, 2024 1:00 AM
Aranka mining pit accident…Operators were forewarned about danger – GGMC
Operators of the Aranka mining pit, Region Seven, which failed and claimed the lives of three men and injured two on October 3, were forewarned of the danger that was ahead if they had dug deeper than 10 feet.
Twenty-five year-old Deonarine Singh, called ‘Chubby ‘of Ann’s Grove; and cousins Elson Singh called ‘Papa Johnny’, 47; and Devon Barry, 22, both of Two Friends, were killed, after the walls of the pit they were working in caved-in burying them alive.
Two weeks prior to the accident Mines officers attached to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) visited the concession where several groups were working in an area of unconsolidated
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Robert Persaud receives report from Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle and flanked by representatives of GGMC and GGDMA
materials which proved a failure during rainy weather.
According to GGMC’s Deputy Commissioner (Administrative) Rickford Vieira, the miners were operating in a mining pit to a depth of 10 feet. Some unsteadiness were observed but were not detrimental to anyone’s safety. The officers had advised the operators not to dig beyond the 10-foot limit. However, the operators proceeded to dig a further 10 feet resulting in the failure of the mining pit.
He made these revelations yesterday during the handing over of the report by Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle on the accident to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Robert Persaud.
Investigations of the accident were done collaboratively by the Ministry of Labour, GGMC and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association. One of the major findings was that the area in which the men were working was unstable.
According to Vieira, the normal safety precautions in mining operations were not adhered to resulting in the accident. He stressed that while GGMC is trying to prevent persons from working under those conditions, safety is the responsibility of everybody.
He noted that the regulatory body will be working with the Ministry of Labour and the mining association to sensitize miners of safety requirements. Vieira emphasized that the capacities of regulators are limited owing to the geography of the mining sector.
He noted that absence of technical knowledge of miners should not be a limitation since GGMC offers free technical advice to miners.
Colin Sparman, representative of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association said that from observations the operations were in an area that was very unstable.
“The guys were working tailings, essentially old tailings pond as we know the material is unconsolidated and when you add water it is very difficult to work in. In summary I would say it is negligence from the operator,” Sparman said.
According to Ogle, there is a 10-point recommendation coming out from the Ministry of Labour. He noted that it is the view of the Ministry that the miners did not adhere to mining operational procedures with safety and health being the priority.
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