Ministry of Natural Resources deeply concerned by the persistence of Unsafe Mining Practices – Very saddened by report of miner’s death in mining pit collapse accident.

Ministry of Natural Resources, Guyana, Monday, October 10, 2016

The Ministry of Natural Resources is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Keon Wilson who perished in a mining accident at Rock Creek, Puruni, Region 7. Mr. Wilson was working alongside colleagues when the pit caved in, covering him with mud.

The Ministry expresses its condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of Mr. Wilson and will be launching a Committee of Inquiry (COI) to fully investigate the matter to recommend actions to be taken in the event of any negligence and to prevent a recurrence.

It is with grave concern that despite enhanced efforts to monitor mining activities and to educate miners on safe mining practices, this latest death has occurred. The Ministry bemoans the persistence of unsafe mining practices at some mining camps, which result in the untimely death of workers and adversely affects the lives of their families by extension.

All miners are reminded to conduct their activities responsibly and adopt the highest standards of safety in keeping with the laws of Guyana. The Ministry continues through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the Mining School, to offer guidance, training and other support to miners to improve safety practices in the field, and will hasten plans for the deployment of Wardens who will have law enforcement powers to better police the sector.