MINING Week 2015, being held under the theme “Science and engineering solutions for safety, security and success in mining,” was officially declared open on Sunday evening, August 23, at the Arthur Chung International Convention Centre at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), mining agencies and other companies went all out yesterday to woo viewers with their exhibits, mounted as part of the national mining and quarrying exhibition.
The exhibitions included presentations by the Guyana Geology & Mines Commission (GGMC); Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest); The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Starr Computer; ExxonMobil; the Guyana Logistics and Support Services Incorporated (GLASS); MACORP, REPSOL; Marics; Rehoboth Group, and Global Technology Inc., along with other stakeholders within the sector.

Some of the exhibitors lauded the effort by the Government of Guyana and the GGMC and other agencies to host this event, given the fact that it has not been held since 2013. They embraced the opportunity to showcase some of what they have to offer in order to help miners and other key players in the sector to boost their capacity and be more efficient.

ExxonMobil Country Manager Mr Jeff Simons explained that this being their first exhibit, “We are really enjoying it here, and we found a steady stream of people throughout the day who found our exhibit very interesting.”

He disclosed that, in their booth, they depicted some of the activities that are going, some of the equipment they are using, and some of the things that guide the principles of the company. A video was streaming live, explaining how a well is actually drilled during an oil exploration.

A representative of the GGMC’s Environmental Division disclosed that the company has physical demonstrations depicting the safety measures which are being promoted, given the fact that this year there has been a high number of safety issues within the industry.

The company also focused on water quality management; tailings management; mine site reclamation, wherein they encouraged the replanting of trees; and sanitation management, among other things.

The Guyana Chronicle caught up with Sales Manager of MACORP, who disclosed that the company is one of the major contributors to the mining sector in terms of equipment.

This exhibition, he said, has given the company opportunity to display some of its equipment and other items on offer to the miners. He noted that the company recently acquired two new types of excavators, and those are on offer.

A newcomer to the proceedings, Rehoboth Group’s Chief Executive Officer Dale Browne said the company’s focus is bringing prosperity to families globally.

Partnering with the U.S. registered company Delight Design, who manufactures solar lanterns and home systems, the
products they have to offer are needed, especially in the hinterland regions, where persons can move from using fossil fuels to using solar energy.

Persons are encouraged to go down to the Conference Centre and check out the exhibits and all the products on display, as today is the last opportunity they have to do so.

Meanwhile, sports and recreational activities to be held in the main mining communities, namely Mahdia and Bartica in Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) and at Port Kaituma in Region 1 (Barima/Waini), will comprise the lighter side of the week’s observances. There have already been playoffs for finals during Mining Week, at Mahdia on August 16th, and at Port Kaituma on August 22nd.

The week’s observances will culminate with the traditional fun-filled Pork–knockers’ Day on Saturday, August 29th, at the Bartica Golden Beach Pavilion.

The GGMC is cordially inviting all Guyanese to participate in this annual salute to the mining industry this year.