Latest update November 23rd, 2024 1:00 AM
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Minster Persaud confident mining sector will override current low gold prices
Government remains positive that some level of increase in gold declaration is expected due to interventions made by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, the subject Minister Robert Persaud told miners today at the Pork Knocker’s day at Bartica as part of mining week activities.
He expressed his confidence that the mining sector will allow for overriding of the current difficult patch due to the drop in gold prices.
The Minister added that with the support of the government and also through the regulatory agency in partnership with the mining association, the necessary steps to reduce the impact of low gold prices and ensure production and continued expansion, can be taken.
He added too that the Ministry recognises that declaration has been below what it was for the same period last year, but said the Government remains positive that there will be some level of increase.
“Our activities aren’t only about production and producing more, but we have strong social and environmental responsibilities,” the Minister said while adding that “The issues of pollution, whether it’s through garbage or mining activities, are getting the priority attention of our Government and our agency.”
As a result, monitoring has been enhanced in the Mazaruni and Cuyuni tributaries. He mentioned the recent collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) where bio-assessment will be carried out at Cuyuni which will entail looking at interventions and dealing with issues of pollution. It will also address ways of working with the sector and those who operate within these areas to ensure the impact of pollution is reduced.
“This will be given more attention in all of the mining districts and the fact that we brought an international partner on to work with both Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows the level of enhanced action that will be taken in this regard,” the Minister stated.
He said that in terms of garbage pile up, the Ministry of Local Government has started the ‘Clean up my country’ initiative for which $1 billion has been allocated and an extensive programme has been designated for Bartica. At present, the programme is ongoing in Georgetown.
Further, Minister Persaud revealed that through the EPA, the Government has identified, with the Regional Authorities, through the Ministry of Local Government, an area where garbage from mining activities can be properly managed. He further said that recently, resources have been allocated for an access way to be built to the garbage disposal unit.
Region Seven Chairman Gordon Bradford, spoke of the littering problem Barticians are faced with and added that yesterday officials of the Natural Resources Ministry talked about the enforcement of the anti-littering laws.
Patrick Harding, Guyana Gold and Diamond and Miners Association (GGDMA) president said the association recognises the contribution of miners to the Guyanese economy especially in 2013. He added that thus far for 2014, gold production is behind, nevertheless, GGDMA is working to curb some of the challenges miners face and “the last quarter is always better than the first quarter.”
Clinton Williams, Chairman of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) urged that miners expand to other forms of income and reiterated that mining resourses are non-renewable.
Williams said they are also expanding the range of minerals they are looking for, such as nickel, and platinum and reiterated the water and sanitation issues mining communities face. He added that the government is doing its best to better those situations.
Among the gathering were President Donald Ramotar, Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn and Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh. This line up of Government officials at Pork Knocker’s day, according to Minister Persaud, shows the deep interest the Government has in the welfare of miners and the community of Bartica.
He stated that the Government will ensure that the mining industry continues to make a positive impact on Guyana’s economy.
As a part of the festivities, miners were able to showcase their talent by batelling and warishi racing among others. (GINA)
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