The Ministry of Natural Resources, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Guyana Mining School and Training Centre Inc., in collaboration with the Australian High Commission is hosting a symposium for artisanal and small-scale miners, June 21-22, 2018.
The two-day event aims to develop the capacity of artisanal miners through training and sharing international best practices in five thematic areas. These include; Business development and financial management, Developing, Prospecting and exploring capacity, Low-cost alternatives to mercury use that improves gold recovery, Increasing awareness and improved practices on health and safety and environmental management, and Maximising the benefits and mitigate the risks of women’s participation along the value chain.
The symposium brings together local and international experts representing the mining industry, academia and civil society including lecturers at universities mining experts from Guyana, Australia, Chile, Canada, and Suriname.
On the second day, there will be a panel discussion on “Collaboration to deliver policy and practical impact in the Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) Sector”. The Panel will include former Commissioners of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission William Woolford and Karen Livan and Executive Director of Conservation International Dr. David Singh and Lecturer, University of Guyana, Sherwood Lowe. They will be discussing approaches to enhance collaboration across Government Ministries and Projects – What are the challenges and opportunities, the priorities and key elements of a roadmap to improve the sector.
The symposium is being held under the theme, “Towards a green state development strategy, ensuring decent work environments for artisanal and small-scale miners.”
