By Ariana Gordon

A PLETHORA of mining illegalities were discovered by mines officers of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) on Monday during a visit to the Kuribrong Mining District, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

A team of officials including Minister within the Ministry of Environment Simona Broomes, journeyed from Bartica, Region Seven to the Mining District where it was observed that there were several illegal mining camps set up.

Minister Broomes, along with the team of mines officers and law-enforcement officers inspected the camps where it was found that the miners were non-compliant with the rules and regulations governing the industry.

It was discovered that many of the dredges were unregistered, workers had no privileges, there were no production books containing records pertaining to gold obtained and sold, and mining pits were not properly dug, which poses great harm to those working therein.

Based on the observation, the miners were summoned to a meeting with Minister Broomes and the mines officers. She outlined the many breaches observed in the backdam and urged miners to comply with the rules and regulations.

“Everybody here is here illegally. We didn’t give permissions to work,” she said, noting that it was an unfortunate thing that all the miners in the area to which the inspection was done were illegal.

“There is no landing here for shops, supplying miners with fuel, food, medicine and so on. Instead, we see “Kaimoos” and beer bottles and women and men drunk having a great time,” said Minister Broomes.

She also told the miners that there is no excuse for them not complying with the guidelines provided by the GGMC through its mines officers.

“I manage by facts and this has nothing to do with circumstances… you are here illegally… you have to do the right thing,” she said passionately.

NO JOKE
Broomes, who was a miner all her life before stepping into the political arena, said “Safety is no joke… we should not at this stage have to have a conversation about safety. Safety is priority,” she reiterated.

She called on the miners in the Kuribrong District to act in their best interest, noting that loss of life is not going to be tolerated in the industry. She noted that the mining pits that have been dug by the miners may seem ok for mining and dredge operations, but “they are a big safety hazard.”

The minister reminded of the death of fellow miners in Mahdia earlier this year and noted that life is important, and all action necessary must be taken to preserve same. She stressed that while mining for gold and diamonds in the country’s interior is a means of maintaining families, the preservation of life is more important.

“Tell your general manager you can’t work there… it is unsafe… do not work in unsafe conditions,” she charged the miners.

She said too that miners are hardworking and good people but need “to demonstrate discipline.”

“You have to be responsible… be responsible for your lives and your colleagues,” the minister urged.

That aside, Broomes called on the miners to declare all gold production to the Guyana Gold Board, while noting that “there is no excuse for not selling gold to the Gold Board.”

Some miners indicated that they do not sell their gold to the Gold Board, but would sell it to authorised buyers. This too, the minister said is cause for concern as some buyers purchase gold from the miners, but declare the gold as if it is theirs. Broomes said maintaining good records of the precious mineral is important.

BE CAREFUL
“Be careful with buyers — you have to sell gold to the Gold Board… have your records — even if you’re selling gold to a legitimate buyer… you have to set your house straight,” she stated.

She reminded miners of the fact that it is the APNU+AFC administration that has been addressing their concerns.

“The mere fact that you can see a minister of the Government in a camp sends a strong message — it says the commitment from Government is here.”

Meanwhile, Senior Mines Officer Kerwin Josiah urged miners to comply with the law, while noting that mines officers are administers of the law.

“We are here to work with you all… if you have a dredge, register your dredge… if you got couple men in your camp ensure they have privilege… have a production book. These things are very cheap,” said the mines officer.

He noted that the onus is not on the dredge-owner to get miners their privilege, but the dredge owner can sign the privilege.

During inspection of some of the production books, many of which were outdated, Josiah charged miners to ensure that receipts are written for the gold sold to legitimate buyers.

“You could write a receipt…weigh your gold and ask the buyer to check and then give him a receipt. Most of the men who give you receipts don’t place dredge numbers on them…traders are smart…they take the gold and sell it as if it comes from their dredge and get all the benefits.”

SIMPLE COMPLIANCE
The senior mines officer said operating in the mining industry rests solely on compliance. He said if miners fail to comply with the rules and regulations set by law, GGMC would be forced to close the operations.

“It is simple compliance… you going to pay over $1M to set up your operation… registering the operation won’t cost more than $15,000… especially with a six- inch dredge. Think about it… a multimillion-dollar operation and a mines officer stops it because you forget to spend an extra $10,000 or $15,000.”

Josiah said while all is not perfect in the industry, miners need to speak with mines officers.

“Talk to the mines officers… it is not a row… tell him what’s going on. It is a conversation… we are not coming to beat anybody.”

He explained that the law allows for miners’ gravel once exposed to be washed and not be left exposed. While inspecting the mines, owners of several illegal shops were given orders to remove their shops to the landing.

“You are ordered to cease all illegal trading activities and to remove the structure that is used for business no later than the 20th June, 2016,” the order read.

Those owning the shops were also found guilty of the illegal trading of gold and other precious minerals which were confiscated by the mines officers. Similar inspections are expected to continue across the mining districts, Josiah noted.