Mines syndicate for Region Eight miners before year-end

GINA, GUYANA, Friday, December 16, 2016

Miners in Mahdia, Region Eight are among the first to be syndicated and receive mining lands from the Closed Area Committee (CAC) of the Ministry of Natural Resources.

In a meeting with the miners of the Mahdia Miners Association and residents, Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman promised to provide lands to the group by December 31, 2016.

“I actually am very enthused, excited about the idea of committees and syndicates and so I’m undertaking now to find some lands for you,” Minister Trotman told the miners.

The syndication of miners is credited to Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes.  “Rather than dealing with individuals, it’s best if you come as a group, you get a grant of land as a group and you look out for each other,” Minister Trotman explained.

However, the Minister cautioned the group that they would need to work together if they are to be successful. “Once you get this land we want to see you all working together peacefully,” Minister Trotman said.

One mines officer from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) reminded the miners that, “safety got to be adhered to” as they go forward as a syndicate. Miners were advised to adhere to safe practices such as correct benching techniques, height of the overburden at the crest of the pit and to be aware in the rainy season.

“You must remember most of these accidents happen in the rainy season and the rain weakens the strength of the soil, you must be aware of that. As much as you want money from mining, we got to pay attention to safety,” the GGMC officer advised.

Excited by the prospect of lands, miners welcomed the initiative wholeheartedly. One woman miner, Solomani Parshram assured Minister Trotman, “If there is a problem I think we can go to the mines office to get some advice. We don’t have a problem.”

Meanwhile, some miners and residents implored the setting up of a Gold Board office in the mining community. Edmond Young told the Minister, “We always want to sell to the Gold Board ‘cause we have a lot of benefits from the Gold Board.”

Minister Trotman in acknowledging their request, told the miners that the Gold Board is currently being reformed. The Minister also commended the residents for the upkeep of their community, “It means that structures are coming and with structures it means laws have to be respected, things got to get done…it’s no longer a place where anything happens.”

By: Tiffny Rhodius