Rupununi Miners Association formed with set objectives
SIGNIFICANT increase in small and medium scale gold mining in Southern Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo, recently has led to the formation of an association with set objectives. Activities by artisanal alluvial gold miners are being conducted in the deep South locations of Marudi, Parabara and Wakadanawa areas where miners are using suction pumps and even excavators, as different to previously used pickaxes and batelles.
Those involved, coastlanders and residents of  the area, including Lethem, have formed Rupununi Miners Association (RMA), the Chairman, Mr. Sugreem Singh disclosed last week.
He announced the February formation in an interview with  the Guyana Chronicle, stating that the aim is not only to represent deep South Rupununi miners on issues affecting their operations but also to ensure they operate in an environmentally friendly way and sell their produce to the Guyana Gold Board or other authorised dealers.
The RMA is based in Aishalton Village, located approximately 60 miles Southeast of Lethem and another objective is to make sure relations between residents. of the villages and miners are cordial and harmonious
“We get involved and have been getting involved wherever there is a dispute between the communities and the miners and work with both parties towards an amicable solution,” Singh said.

SUCCESSFUL
According to him, the Association has been successful in such matters, to date. He cited one dispute between villagers of Parabara and miners which was resolved to the satisfaction of both parties.
Singh said the Association also intends to pursue humanitarian initiatives in the villages and members, recently, organised a visit to several by a team from the Remote Area Medical Team (RAMT) based at Lethem.
The arrangement was made in collaboration with the Guyana Frontier Mining Company (GMFC), a large scale gold mining enterprise currently conducting exploration in the area.
The RAMT comprised a doctor to do general medical check-up, a dentist, a physiotherapist, a malaria specialist, a medical officer to do AIDS testing and an optical technician to carry out eye tests and prescribe spectacles.
The group spent eight days conducting the exercise and Singh said GFMC was instrumental in the success of the outreach by providing meals and accommodation.
He indicated that the RMA is making arrangements to regularise the sales of its deep south gold to the official dealers and the transactions will be finalised on completion of the ongoing construction of a commercial bank at Lethem.

AFFILIATE
Singh said the RMA considers itself an affiliate of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and intends to work closely with that body to represent the interests of its own members and make sure that mining in the deep South is done in accordance with environmental regulations of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).
Meanwhile, the RMA is planning to celebrate August as the month of mining in a big way.
It is organising a day of sports on August 11 at the Aishalton Playground, starting at 10:00hrs, with some novelty events, among them a batelle spinning competition between competitors from the villages and a warishee race.
Those will be followed by a cultural evening, beginning at 20:00hrs, involving talent from the villages.
With Singh in the leadership of the RMA are Leevan Joannis, Vice-Chairman; Ermelinda Joseph, Secretary; Clifford Winter, Assistant Secretary; Brandon Anton, Treasurer and three Committee members to be named. one each from Parabara, Wakadanau and Marudi.