GGDMA in collaboration for best practices
GUYANA Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) is collaborating with local and international agencies to develop methods of gold recovery other than mercury and find best practices for reclamation of mined out areas. Making the disclosure during a bi-monthly meeting of the organisation, former Executive Director, Mr. Tony Shields, now a consultant, said: “I want to emphasise on the importance of the environment.
“Don’t put your neck in the sand like an ostrich. You have to realise that you must mine today with the environment in mind.”
GGDMA President, Mr. Patrick Harding disclosed that they have entered into an arrangement with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas for a study of methods of processing of gold other than with mercury.
He took the opportunity to appeal to members to be prompt with their financial contributions since the Executive is committed to the technologies that would bring the sector up to speed and needs adequate funding towards this end.
WWF is contributing $2.2M to this project and the GGDMA has to put $600,000 for its full execution and eventual technology transfer of the results to members.
The GGDMA is also receiving assistance from Canadian Executive Services Organisation (CESO) to the tune of Cdn$11,000 in pursuit of reclamation of mined out areas best practices.
Harding said for that, the GGDMA is required to put Cdn$7,800 in counterpart funds.
A Canadian forester, who is a CESO volunteer, will be the main resource person for the reclamation exercise with emphasis on local conditions.
GGDMA Administrative Coordinator, Mr. Colin Sparman said other developmental activities ongoing and in train include education and awareness on mine safety, in camp sanitation, work on improved sluice box designs to improve gold recovery, methods of exploration and major aspects of compliance with the mining regulations.
He said GGDMA is also in collaboration with the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and will soon be teaming up with the Office of Climate Change to promote the reclamation and rehabilitation of mined out areas best practices project.