THE Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment through its regulatory agency, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, has launched an investigation of a report indicating that a

mining pit has collapsed in the Aranka area, North West Mining District Number 1, where some persons reportedly lost their lives.
The ministry stated that it had also received additional complaints about issues relating to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) which have led to serious injury and in some instances, fatalities in the mining camps.
As such, the ministry has invited the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and the Chief Labour Officer of the Ministry of Labour to be part of a task force to investigate this incident and to review OHS issues within the mining sector, to provide a safe working environment for miners and operators within the sector.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment said it is saddened over the loss of lives and is appealing to all miners and operators within the sector to comply with Occupational Health and Safety standards.