THE Ministry of Natural Resources on Friday convened a special meeting with officials of the Guyana Gold Board and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission to discuss and resolve ongoing issues of the threat of mercury emissions and the closure of the laboratory attached to the Guyana Gold Board.

In a release, the ministry said at Friday’s meeting that the critical decision was taken that the laboratory would be moved within the shortest possible time so as to safeguard the health of workers of the GGMC and Gold Board. The intention of the Ministry of Natural Resources is to have the laboratory moved in the first instance and then the administrative offices of the board thereafter.

In attendance at the meeting was Dr. David Singh, head of the recently appointed Review Committee, who shared his expert knowledge and advice on the best steps to be taken to ensure success and a smooth transition of operations. In the coming days, suitable sites will be sourced for both short and long-term solutions.

All parties in attendance recognised the critical contribution of gold to the Guyana economy, and by extension, the Guyana Gold Board, and in that regard resolved to cooperate to ensure the minimal disruption of operations.