CITING safety and improved mining practices among its objectives, the Ministry of Natural Resources is seeking the cooperation of residents of Mahdia in its ongoing enforcement operations at the Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) mining district.

Residents this week protested the move; some noted that their equipment were either seized or damaged by officials of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) officers who undertook the operation with assistance from the police.

However, the ministry said that the GGMC officials and the Corps of Wardens have been tasked with executing the enforcement operation and are expected to follow the procedures outlined for execution.

“The GGMC is further expected to work with those not in compliance, to ensure they can return to work as soon as reasonably possible; providing that there is an expressed agreement to comply with the law and/or be registered,” the ministry said.

In addition, it was noted by the Ministry of Natural Resources that miners whose equipment were seized, were previously warned that their operations were not in compliance.

“Although they may have made communication to the GGMC that compliance steps would be taken, they were unsuccessful in doing so,” the statement said.

The ministry stated that it understands that compliance and enforcement operations are not well received by persons who do not meet the standards given to operate. “It is not pleasing having these done, but the cooperation of everyone is sought to ensure that the exercise is concluded expeditiously and efficiently,” the state entity noted.

It was noted that the lives of mines workers are of great value to Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, and the ministry expressed hope that mine operators value them the same. “More so, it is the minister’s hope that miners value the villages and communities adjoining where they perform mining activities. Unfortunately, this is not entirely so, and enforcement of compliance becomes necessary,” the ministry said.

The effects of illegal mining have been well documented by the ministry, which noted that it threatens the lives of workers in the mining pits, also, the livelihoods of others. It reiterated that Minister Trotman recognises the effects of the operations on persons, directly and indirectly; but for the sake of preserving lives and livelihoods, the entity advised that the operation be allowed to ensure the preservation of the aforementioned. The miners were encouraged to ensure that their documents and operations are in compliance for mining, so as to avoid issues with the process. It has been reported by Acting Mines Manager Krishna Ramdass of the GGMC, that the mining district at Mahdia has had the majority of mining accidents for 2018, seeing a reported fourteen (14) deaths from January 23rd to October 1st.

This is a great cause of concern for the minister and the government, and should be the same for others, the ministry said.