THE GUYANA Geology and Mines Commission and the Guyana Gold Board on Saturday acknowledged that there was indeed an issue with mercury emissions within the Brickdam compound in which both entities are housed. However they have both confirmed that the issue has been addressed.

According to a release issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the entities have denied that the situation was a crisis, as suggested by a recent media report.
“Both the GGMC and the GGB believe that this matter is under control because of the many measures taken. The GGMC and the GGB have collaborated in the past several weeks to enhance mercury management activities at the Brickdam complex, so that there are no emissions of mercury during daily operations,” the release said.

The release said that this is in addition to measures that were already in place, and part of operational routines which had included regular testing of workers.
“The following have also been conducted: Comprehensive inspection of the entire emissions control system; timely refurbishing of all areas and aspects of related systems; physical extension of emissions chimney; satisfactory testing of work and resulting emissions; arranging for written assurances (warranties) as to work performed; continuing with an aggressive maintenance schedule; recruiting external monitoring parties for safety certification purposes; and continuous monitoring to detect any suspicious levels,” the release said.

There have been frank and timely communications with the GGMC staff, the release added. “Specifically, the GGMC has communicated to those few staff members who have an elevated mercury level that all efforts will be made to have them evaluated and treated, in line with guidance shared by the National Insurance Scheme (NIS),” the release said.
It noted that while there is indeed a situation where the typical treatments are presently unavailable, the GGMC has made other arrangements to address this shortfall. “The GGMC and the GGB wish to assure everyone that the matter of mercury emissions is of serious concern and engages the highest levels of attention from its senior administrators. The GGMC and the GGB, stand fully committed and involved through continuous monitoring to control the situation to meet all acceptable safety levels,” said the MNR release.