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14 mining deaths in Region 8 for year… Natural Resources Ministry stands ground on crackdown on illegal, unsafe operations
Residents and Mahdia miners protesting earlier this week.
In light of recent protests by Mahdia residents over a crackdown on illegal and unsafe operations in the area, the Ministry of Natural Resources warned that Region 8 has recorded 14 deaths for the year.
The ministry’s statement came days after protests in the mining town by operators who said that enforcement officers have been destroying equipment during the crackdown.
The ministry said that it “wishes to reaffirm that the enforcement operation seeks to curb the practice of illegal mining, address mine safety, and improve mining practices overall.”
The ministry, in its statement yesterday, disclosed that Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman had ordered the immediate operation since illegal and unsafe mining practices have continued to result in fatal accidents in the mining areas of Guyana.
“It has been reported by Acting Mines Manager Krishna Ramdass, that Mahdia has had the majority of mining accidents for 2018, seeing a reported 14 deaths from January 23rd to October 1st. This is a great cause of concern for the Minister and the government, and should be same for others.”
The Ministry said that it understands that compliance and enforcement operations are not well received by persons who do not meet the standards given to operate.
“It is not pleasing having this done but the cooperation of everyone is sought to ensure that the exercise is concluded expeditiously and efficiently. The lives of mines workers are of great value to Minister Trotman, and it is hoped that mine operators value them the same. More so, it is the Minister’s hope that miners value the villages and communities adjoining where they perform mining activities. Unfortunately, this is not entirely so, and enforcement of compliance becomes necessary. “
The ministry noted that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Corps of Wardens have been tasked with executing this enforcement operation and are expected to follow the procedures outlined for execution.
“The GGMC is further expected to work with those not in compliance, to ensure they can return to work as soon as reasonably possible; providing that there is an expressed agreement to comply with the law and/or be registered.”
To date, information reaching the Ministry indicate that miners whose equipment were seized, were previously warned that their operations were not in compliance.
“Although they may have made communication to the GGMC that compliance steps would be taken, they were unsuccessful in doing so.”
The ministry said that the effects of illegal mining have been well documented by the Ministry- it threatens the lives of workers in the mining pits, also the livelihoods of others.
“The Minister recognizes the effects of the operations on persons directly and indirectly, but for the sake of preserving lives and livelihoods, it is advised that the operation be allowed to ensure the preservation of the aforementioned. Miners are again encouraged to ensure that their documents and operations are in compliance for mining so as to avoid issues with the process.”
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