Authorities overwhelmed by mining violations - GHRA

Authorities overwhelmed by mining violations – GHRA

May 19, 2012 News

…communities losing wildlife, malaria increasing

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) appears to be overwhelmed by current problems in the mining sector.
Recently the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) said that it received reports that there are environmental problems which may be well over the head of that regulatory body.
Claiming that there is turmoil reigning in the mining sector, GHRA yesterday said that the attractive price of gold has pushed Guyanese from all over the country, along with a large number of foreigners – from Brazil, Canada, Australia- to invade mining areas.
“Most small-scale miners are engaged in land dredging (four-inch hoses) but the tailings still drain into the rivers, particularly at the sources.
More rivers are taking on the characteristics of the Konawaruk River which years ago was declared to be ‘dead’ by the current Chair of the GGMC, the body said yesterday.
Rivers are also being diverted by dredging operations. “Reports have been received of villages in the Pomeroon head and along the Barama River losing most of their wildlife because of logging and mining activities.”