By Svetlana Marshall

ACTING Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Mr. Newell Dennison, is calling on miners to change their attitudes in regard to Occupational Health and Safety practices.Underscoring the importance of safety in the mining sector, he has reflected on the number of mining fatalities that have occurred over the years.

Since 2006, more than 119 mine-related deaths have been recorded in Guyana; and according to reports, the constant neglect of Occupation, Health and Safety (OHS) practices is among the leading factors responsible for those deaths. Just this month, 45-year-old Ricky Hughes of East Bank Berbice died while mining at Omai in Region Eight.

Well aware of the situation, Dennison has said that attitudes must change.
“My view is that attitudes have to be changed; where common sense, common decency and common goals for (betterment) at the broader social level must be obtained,” he said, as he addressed leading men and women in the industry during the Mining Week Opening Ceremony and Awards Dinner, held at the Pegasus Hotel on Sunday evening.

This function was attended by President David Granger and Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman.

“It requires a serious commitment to partner and collaborate first with each other as Guyanese citizens, and then with institutions like the GGMC, (which) are present to serve, support and guide; and, where necessary, apply the appropriate measures of the law,” he added.

Dennison said the GGMC would continue to push for a stronger culture of safety in mining through awareness sessions and enforcement of the law. Nothing in mining, he said, should translate to risking life on callous practices, while warning that actions would be taken against defaulters.

Vice President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), Andron Alphonso, echoed similar sentiments. “While mining does have its unavoidable potential perils and occupational hazards, such deaths are completely unacceptable, and all stakeholders must continue to work together to curb this trend…,” Alphonso emphasised.

Apart from mining fatalities, Alphonso said, the industry continues to be plagued by many challenges, including the lack of access to mineralized lands; rising operational costs; illegal mining; poor conditions of many interior roads; and lack of roads leading to new mining areas.

Insufficient mineral recovery technologies employed locally were also among the concerns raised.
Notwithstanding these challenges, the GGDMA Vice President said, the Association has been engaging the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, GGMC, and the Guyana Gold Board with the hope of arriving at workable solutions.

Alphonso remains optimistic about the future of the mining industry. He highlighted the success of the industry over the years. “As the largest earner of foreign currency for our nation, the local gold and diamond mining industry has been the main driver of growth, development, and disposable income in Guyana. Over the last decade, thousands of Guyanese, many of whom cannot find employment in any other sector, (have been) directly employed in the mining industry…” he said.

Without a doubt, he said, gold declaration this year would reach a high of 600,000 ounces, surpassing the 2015 mark of 450,873 ounces.

During the awards ceremony, Adamantium Holdings was presented with the Top Gold Producer Award for its production of 13,399 ounces in 2015. The Top Dealer Award went to Mohamed’s Enterprise, while Diamonds’ Top Producer Award was presented to La Goin Luiz Sequeira.

Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI) and RUSAL were both awarded for their outstanding performances in the local bauxite industry, while the Top Quarry Producer Award went to Toolsie Persaud Ltd. The Top Sand Producer Award was copped by Lybsur Sand and Quarry, while Guyana Goldfields received an award for practising Environmental Safety.

Guyana Gold Fields Inc. at Aurora Mines has an excellent 251 days “no loss time” record, in addition to a world class mine site and operations circuit, with attendant corporate social responsibility within the community, which is expected to mature.

The Innovation Award went to Winslow Higgins, while Kevin Jeffrey was awarded for his ethical practices. Wavney Phillipe, Cyrilda DeJesus, Anthony Shields, Horrace James and Dick Manning were dubbed icons in the mining industry, and were accordingly presented with plaques for their contributions to the industry.

Clifford Stanley of the Guyana Chronicle, Gaulbert Sutherland of Stabroek News, and Jarryl Bryan of Kaieteur News were also awarded for their excellent reporting on the sector.

Mining Week 2016 is being held under the theme “Extracting Minerals, Underscoring Safety, Protecting the Environment.”