THE Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment has directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue working actively to address the issue of dust caused by Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Inc. As a result of multiple inspections, meetings and letters, the EPA has been able to work with the Company to a point now where significant infrastructural investments are now being made to reduce the dust pollution associated with the company’s operations.
In an unprecedented move, the current ownership has agreed to the installation of dust collection systems for 2 Kilns used in the processing of the mineral, a first in the history of Guyana’s bauxite industry.
A joint inspection by officers of the agencies of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (MNRE), including EPA and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), was conducted on June 27, 2012, to check on the progress of the installation of the dust collector systems (Kiln 14 and Kiln 13) and to finalise the dates for completion of works.
After numerous inspections and discussions with the management of Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Inc., the dust collection system for Kiln No. 14 was shut down on June 30, 2012 to facilitate the final construction, testing and commissioning of the Kiln. The dust collection system for Kiln 14 was undergoing the final aspects of installation for the proposed date of commissioning on July 10, 2012 at the date of the last inspection. The components of the system were being tested to ensure that they are effectively functional prior to operation of the entire system. Bosai has since implemented all the recommended actions and has since been operational and EPA will continue to monitor this closely to ensure compliance.
Additionally, the EPA has been mandated to work closely with Bosai on the dust collection system for Kiln 13 which is approximately 60% complete and is expected to be operational by September, 2012.
To date, the dust collection system has already been procured and delivered and foundation works have been completed and installation is ongoing.
The EPA is committed to ensuring that the installation is completed and will continue to work with Bosai to bring the project to fruition. Once the installation of the dust collection system is completed, and becomes operational, the Agency will continue to monitor the operation, and provide further guidance and support to ultimately ensure that Linden is free of dust pollution.