IN keeping with the mining regulation, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) in collaboration with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) has been working with miners to re-vegetate non-operational mining areas. On Saturday last, Commissioner of GGMC Mr. William Woolford and other officials of the organization, along with miners in Mahdia, Region Eight, planted several hundreds of ‘acacia mangium’ at St. Elizabeth as part of its reclamation efforts to demonstrate to miners that reclamation is possible.

This exercise, which was the fourth carried out by the entity, focused on replanting 10 hectares of mined out white sand area. Acacia mangium is a multi-purposed plant that allows soil fertility by fixing nitrogen. It is also suitable for intercropping fruits and vegetables including pineapple and plantain.

These plants are grown in a nursery, which is the first of its kind located in Mahdia. Woolford noted that students of the Mahdia Secondary School are benefitting from the facility as it serves as a farm.

To ensure that the miners and the school understand their duties and responsibilities regarding the replanting exercise, GGMC took miners and the school’s Agriculture Science teacher to French Guiana where they interacted with their counterparts who are also involved in replanting.

Woolford noted that it is advantageous to have the school included in this exercise, as youths -after leaving school – will have knowledge about this vital activity. They can gain employment in mining sites to execute the replanting of trees.

GGMC also has replanting efforts at Isseneru, Noitgedacht, Aranka and Arakaka. It was noted that GGMC has three-post usage for mined out land at Noitgedacht and these include planting of acacia mangium (and cultivating crops between the acacia mangium), utilising the old mining pits as fish ponds for sport fishing, and constructing recreational facility for relaxation purposes.

The organization will continue its efforts in ensuring that miners observe the mining regulation in replanting old mined out areas since it is environmentally friendly and allows future generation to utilise the lands. (GINA)