–advocates use of technology in reducing environmental impact
GOLD Miner, Andron Alphonso, was recently re-elected unopposed for a second consecutive term as president of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) during an elections held at the Everest Cricket Club.
The new management team also includes Hilbert Shields – Vice President; Azeem Baksh – Secretary; Mahendra Persaud – Treasurer, and Ronaldo Alphonso – Organising Secretary. Committee members are Vishanti Balgobin, Geraldo Alphonso, Charles DaSilva, Dabria Marcus, and Terrence Adams – immediate past president.
The new committee has been elected to manage the affairs of the GGDMA for the next two years. As he welcomed his fellow executive members and addressed miners, the newly elected president promised to continue to advocate for the industry to ensure its survival.
Specifically, he has promised to push for improving existing infrastructure such as roads and bridges, 24-hour access in and out of mining areas; development of new roads and bridges to provide access in areas where there is great prospect for miners, and also continue lobbying efforts to eradicate the scourge of illegal mining.
As the industry develops, the GGDMA and miners must evolve, he said, noting that miners must endeavor to mine safer and more efficiently while minimising impacts.
However this change, he said while necessary, must be managed to ensure that the pace of change does not negatively impact the industry.
Andron Alphonso said for the next two years, the executive “will research new technologies that would enhance recovery and simultaneously reduce the impact on the environment.”
He explained that this will involve conducting research and development testing where applicable in countries in which those technologies are currently used, while the GGDMA would continue to import and test other technologies.
“The GGDMA will be looking for technologies that allow miners to increase recovery and production while simultaneously reducing environmental impact. Additionally, miners must continue to put focus on occupational safety and health along with recovery and production rates,” he added.
Alphonso also thanked the government for the renewal of the Investment Development Agreement that is very beneficial to tax compliant miners and also the reapplication of the VAT free status on heavy equipment and ATVs utilised in the industry.
He further noted that discussions will continue towards finding the right balance between the implementation of the new Anti-Money Laundering (AML) legislation and the practical limitations that are to be considered in ensuring the survival of the industry.
