THE Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) said it was profoundly saddened by the death of miner and dredge owner, Donald Gouveia called “Danny” on Monday, June 13, 2022. Gouveia died while he was working in a pit at Micobie Backdam, Region Eight.

The association, in underscoring the importance of safety, expressed deep condolences to the family of the late Gouveia.

“We recognise that the mining sector is a high risk, hazardous industry, and thus urge our miners to follow good occupation health and safety practices. The GGDMA, over the years, always appealed to our members and the general mining community to adhere to, and implement, good safety practices. The role of proper and sound planning in ensuring better productivity and safety should be well recognised. Based on the results of various commissions of enquiry into mining incidents, we believe that many of the incidents that resulted in fatalities could have been avoided with better planning,” the release said.

GGDMA is urging the adaptation of practices and technology that not only increases productivity but also the safety and health of workers.

It emphasises that miners must pay particular attention to operating standards and safety procedures in all phases of mining.

“We call upon our members and miners to take all necessary precaution to ensure safety standards are followed. The GGDMA is committed to working with the GGMC, Ministry of Labour and the miners to reduce accidents in the mining sector. We therefore appeal to all miners to recognise the fundamental importance of implementing good safety practices,” the release concluded.