In continued efforts to address the issue of fatal mining incidents, Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Raphael Trotman on Saturday visited Mahdia and received updates on the town’s ongoing enforcement operation.
The operation, ordered by the subject Minister on Tuesday, serves to address mines safety, improve mining practices and curb the practice of illegal mining overall. It comes as illegal and unsafe mining practices continue to result in fatal accidents in the mining areas of Guyana.
According to Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Acting Mines Manager Krishna Ramdass, the operation began on Friday and has seen the deployment of a team comprising of five (5) Ministry Compliance Division’s Corp of Wardens along with twelve (12) GGMC officers.
Ramdass went on to highlight that the enforcement operation has to date identified mining operations that do not conform to safety, issued cease work orders, and has even completely removed some operations from the environment. He further noted that some areas were cordoned off, and instructions were given to operators, as to what is required to resume operation. Other facets of non-compliance will be dealt with as the exercise continues.
Minister Trotman subsequently took time to address concerned miners. During this, he encouraged the miners voicing their concerns, to allow the smooth flow of the operation, ensuring that their documents are in check so as to avoid issues with the process. He briefed them on the process and further encouraged them to practice legal and safe mining practices.
The enforcement operation in Mahdia is expected to last eight (8) days. Enforcement operations are being launched in other mining districts. A report is expected at the end of the process.
October 6, 2018
Minister Trotman speaks with concerned Mahdia miners
Acting Manager Mines Krishna Ramdass (Centre) along with two GGMC enforcement officers
