COMMISSIONER Rickford Vieira, of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), has issued a call to gold and diamond miners to “work with the environment in mind”, and desist from causing major damage to the environment and biodiversity by mining close to rivers or depositing tailings into the rivers.He is also asking government to heighten penalties for persons who breach mining agreements and execute activities threatening important geography and eco-systems.

Vieira was contacted by this publication after head of the National Task Force, Brigadier Joseph Singh, had made revelations of on-the-ground crimes he had observed in at least two mining districts, during a recent press conference in the sector. Singh highlighted issues such as mining close to rivers, depositing of tailings into rivers, and abandoned mining pits being close to an airstrip as some of the irregularities he had noticed while travelling in separate mining districts.

Supporting his claims with pictorial evidence, Singh expressed disappointment in an instance where the river and a mining pit had become one.

In a telephone interview with this publication, the GGMC head said polluting rivers is dangerous, and the level of turbidity used in mining poses a major threat to the aquatic environment.

Vieira said that although he understands the industry is going through a terrible phase, miners, in trying to “ease themselves out of hardship”, must consider the rules.
He said actions taken by GGMC in accordance with the law are not deterrent, since miners found guilty of committing these unlawful acts are ordered to post a fine of between $30,000 and $100,000, which in most cases is easily acquired. Many lodge their $100,000 environmental bond and walk free to repeat this or another crime.

“Banning them from mining doesn’t solve the problem,” Vieira said. He added that those banned often transfer their mining equipment to a relative’s name, but they still own the operation.

He said Chinese dredge engines are considerably affordable, and when mines officers seize mining equipment, miners buy new ones and sometimes relocate.

The Commission is also starved for manpower, since only some sixty field officers observe more than 3000 operations in six mining districts.
When the officers would have addressed an issue and moved away from the area, miners stubbornly repeat the same problems.

“We aren’t strong in terms of manpower”. Vieira said. The GGMC is also hindered when individuals who would have acquired knowledge of their visit inform all others, giving transgressors ample time to move away from the worksite.

Depositing large quantities of tailings into the river poses dangers, since the level, or turbidity, affects the aquatic environment, Vieira said.

Vieira also pointed out that, having mining an area, the dredge owner is responsible for repairing that area by refilling the pit, bringing it back to nearly what it was before.

Mining cases are mostly tried in courts within interior locations, and the GGMC pays lawyers to travel and stay overnight.
The National Task Force’s “Project Restore Guyana” has also expressed concern at gold and diamond miners executing duties in unlawful and unprofessional ways.

The NTFC is aggressively pursuing its restoration mandate, and has already recognised the same sets of major mistakes in scanning mining districts in various geographical locations in Guyana.

At a press briefing held on Friday, the commission head, with help of a visual multi-media presentation, pointed out that mining crimes are widespread. He observed these in Ekereku, Omai and Mahdia.

“The land has to be restored (and) the soil has to be stabilised. These are aspects of strategic planning which I thought we should share with you,” he told reporters.

“You’re not allowed to mine within 66 feet of the river bank. These people have actually cut through the river bank and are mining inside of it, so they can actually change the channel of the river as well as create a lot of havoc there for ecosystems and biodiversity,” Vieira explained.

“These are areas that have been abandoned; (they) need to be restored,” he pointed, adding that such restoration involves stabilisation of soil, drainage, replanting as well. Part of the restoration programme for Guyana entails dealing with all of these issues through the Ministry of Environment, department of environment, and department of natural resources.

Giving an example of one restored area, Singh said the area has been replanted with acacia magnium in 2008, and the trees are already five metres high. He said the area now attracts tourists and has been transformed into a recreational and relaxation facility for residents and visitors alike.
Picnicking has become a popular activity there, as “people come with their kids, there is a lot of vehicles (coming) there.” He said the area also has the possibility of being transformed into an agricultural enterprise, since Acasia magnium also makes “wonderful” honey, he explained.

By Shauna Jemmott