-equipment suppliers urged to partner with governmentt, other stakeholders to offer sustainable mining solutions

THE important role that a partnership forged among all stakeholders in the mining sector can play in developing the sector was emphasised on Wednesday at the opening of Macorp’s, Port Kaituma branch.

Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud lauded the company for its $20M investment and challenged them, along with other suppliers, to offer integrated solutions in keeping with responsible mining practices and regulations. “If you want mining to stay, progress and to be efficient, you must also ensure that it is done in accordance with our laws, our regulations, and also with good mining practices so an integrated solution must run the entire gamut that are concerned and connected with responsible
In years to come, Persaud said that persons must be able to look at the Port Kaituma community as one which has presented and demonstrated itself as an organised and responsible mining area.
The role of equipment suppliers can expand to ensure that gear sold is used in a responsible manner within the ambit of mining sector regulations, the minister said.
“I know for example that excavators are now coming with GPS technology, where you can sit down at Providence, and we are hoping that some point in time that you can share that with us too, whereby you know where the excavators are…and if we are able to use that information and map them, we’ll be able to know whether they’re working on properties that have been awarded to the individuals or whether they’re encroaching,” Persaud said
Addressing some of the challenges facing the mining sector, Persaud said that after numerous complaints about illegal mining, the decision was taken to hold lotteries to award claims to those who were without. Another lottery in the Region One area will be held early in 2014, he added.
Other reports of mining along the Mahdia access road by illegal miners will be dealt with, Minister Persaud said, and described the actions as “total nonsense”. Action will be taken against staffers of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and other agencies once they are found culpable, he stressed.
The Ministry, he said is well aware of the issues surrounding the performance of some of its field staff and initiatives are being undertaken to address them. “That is why we are looking at areas of training, the reviewing of our guidelines; we are about to have some discussions with the GGDMA to help us in this regard. One factor we’re exploring is that before equipment is used, explicit permission must be granted as a way in curbing and dealing with some of the other problems we have. There are some holes that we have to fill, but working with the commission.” He also urged the mining community to adopt a zero tolerance approach to actions which compromise field officers.
Mining’s image must be one compatible with its role in the national economy, Minister Persaud said, and given that it accounts for more than 50% of the country’s foreign exchange, it must be respected. Noting that mining has revitalised several interior communities and employs tens of thousands of people, stakeholders, he said, must understand the need to ensure that rules and regulations are observed, social issues such as trafficking in persons are addressed, and drug abuse and other challenges, can only be addressed if all stakeholders recognise their roles and work together. The GGMC, Guyana Gold Board and GBTI will share a multi-storeyed building in Port Kaituma and this will provide more support for the sector to grow in an organised way, added Minister Persaud. “We are providing all the necessary facilities to make what we are preaching possible.”
The opening of the Macorp branch in Region One(Barima/Waini) was described by Chief Executive Officer, Jorge Medina as reflective of the company’s aim of “providing integrated solutions” for the local mining sector. The included not only sales and services, but also advice and solutions that add value for users of its equipment. Medina noted that with Macorp’s approach, there would be less down time as its services would now be based in the community and this would result in more productivity.  He added that the company is looking at technology, which is already available, to remotely track and diagnose equipment via satellite uplinks so as to provide even better service in the future.
Product Support Manager, Guillermo Escarraga said the branch is also an indication of the company’s commitment to the mining sector and its desire to become partners with miners. Macorp has trained operators and mechanics over the years, and more than 200 completed the training courses provided by them in 2012 alone, he added.
Guest speaker and Caterpillar Company Representative, Jose Westin, congratulated Macorp which is the exclusive dealer for its products locally. He added that Macorp should be viewed as one of its teams of more than 180 dealers worldwide who offer the same high level of services and solutions. The Macorp Company was launched 20 years ago locally, and according to Parts Manager Asif Sahid, will continue to provide world class support and services to cater to its customers’ needs. The new branch is stocked with numerous spares for its equipment which is among the more popular used in the mining sector.