A YOUNG gold miner died when a pit collapsed at the notorious Konawaruk Backdam, Potaro, Region 8 on Sunday.Mining accidents have been frequent in that area with the most shocking being the May 17, 2015 incident, which claimed the lives of 11 miners. Just two months ago another teenager died under similar circumstances at Konawaruk Backdam.
Sunday’s accident claimed the life of 18-year-old Ramal Williams, of 58 Miles, Mabura Road, Region 10. Williams suffered and died after the pit in which he was working collapsed around 18:00 hours Sunday, trapping him. He was pulled from the pit and transported to the Mahdia Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. In a statement the Ministry of Natural Resources said that it is with deep regret that it learnt of the unfortunate mining pit accident.
According to a police report about 18:00hrs on Sunday May 29, 2016 Williams of 58 Miles, Mabura Road was working in a mining pit at Konawaruk Backdam, Potaro when it allegedly collapsed, trapping him beneath. Every effort was made to rescue and resuscitate Williams, but despite these efforts, he was pronounced dead on arrival at the Mahdia Hospital.
Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Honorable Simona Broomes has been tasked by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, to immediately visit the area to ascertain the circumstances leading to the death of the miner. The team will also include representatives from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). A Committee of Inquiry (COI) will also be launched to fully investigate the matter within seventy-two (72) hours. The Ministry expresses its condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of Mr. Williams.
Meanwhile, speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, Williams’ older sister Sayone Parris said that her brother worked with a number of friends in the interior. She explained that on Sunday sometime around 5:30 pm, she received a telephone call from his employer, who informed her about his demise. According to Parris, “he was working in the interior for some two years now, but only recently began working with his present employer.
Relating what she was told, Parris said that Williams and his friends were working in the pit when the gravel came down. She said that the workers began to run out when the second set came down, knocking her brother down. This, she noted caused him to be trapped behind, while the others were able to make their way out.
Parris related that her family is devastated by the death of her brother. “We had an excellent relationship, as he lived here with us, “she said. Parris noted that her brother’s employer spoke to the family and he promised to assist the family with funeral expenses.
President David Granger had promised that every mining accident would be investigated and warned defaulting mining operators that they will face legal action if they breach new safety standards in the industry. “The lives of the men and women in this industry are more precious than the minerals they mine,” President Granger had said. “But gold mining is becoming increasingly dangerous. Miners are being killed. Mining pit accidents have led to death and injuries. Sixty-two persons have lost their lives in the mining sector in the last 60 months, at least one per month, one too many.
“We will institute legal action against companies and individuals who breach those (new mining) standards.”
