THERE is a worrying trend of negligence and recklessness being replicated among medium- and small-scale mining operations, the Natural Resources Ministry said after receiving the final report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the death of Reynold Williams.Eighteen-year-old Williams, who hailed from 58 Miles, Mabura Road, was killed on May 29, 2016 when a mining pit collapsed in Konawaruk Backdam, Region Eight. An investigation (CoI) was subsequently launched into the incident.

On Thursday, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman was presented with the final report of the CoI, which was completed by Major General (retd) Joe Singh. That report confirmed that negligence was the principal cause of the mining accident.

“The report’s findings highlight a worrying trend of negligence and recklessness that is being replicated among other medium- and small-scale mining operations, and the grave risks these present to the lives of miners working on properties where safe mining practices are not being adhered to,” the Ministry said in a press statement.

Lack of contingency plans for safety and rescue, poorly trained personnel, and lack of basic supplies to respond to injuries were among the deficiencies identified within small- and medium-scale mining operations.

The report noted that “these unsafe practices, which have a ripple effect on families, communities, the sector and the country as a whole, can no longer be condoned at any level”, and recommended that measures be put in place immediately to curb these actions, the Natural Resources Ministry further stated.

Minister Trotman reportedly expressed his gratitude for the efforts of Major General Joe Singh and his team, which included members of the Environmental Unit of the Guyana Geology and Minces Commission (GGMC), in completing the CoI. However, Minister Trotman said he received the report with “a heavy heart” since its findings glaringly expose the magnitude and depth of work to be done to bring the mining sector back into good repute, starting with the awareness among current miners about the basics of mining.

He noted that stricter enforcement of existing laws, the use of drone technology, along with training and stricter conditions for the issuance of permits need to be incorporated.

Considering the findings of committees of inquiry conducted over the past year, Government, through the Natural Resources Ministry, has adopted a zero tolerance approach to unsafe mining practices, and will shortly be putting in place measures to hold property owners accountable for actions perpetrated on their properties.

“Unsafe acts that lead to injury and/or the loss of lives will not be condoned at any level within the mining sector. Consultations with stakeholders will commence soon,” the Ministry emphasised.

Minister Trotman has spoken to the mother of Reynold Williams, expressing condolences on behalf of the Government whilst assuring her that the death of her son will not be forgotten.

Last week, Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, had instructed miners in Konawaruk Backdam to cease operating until safety measures were put in place. Minister Broomes had led a technical team from GGMC and the Ministry of Social Protection to the scene of the accident, where, based on initial investigations, she had said that negligence was the primary reason. During that visit, Minister Broomes and team not only offered recommendations based on best practices, but encouraged the miners to value their lives.

“One of the most painful things to see as a miner is to see human beings covered alive. It is a harsh reality…. I know you have family, I know you have needs, and you came here to get money, but value your life,” Minister Broomes said as she encouraged the miners to place major emphasis on safety during the execution of their work.

Williams is the second person to have died in the area of mining during 2016.