I have been in the mining industry since 1950. Over the many decades, it has always been the contributions of small and medium-scale miners which have kept the industry alive until the advent and now descent of Omai Gold Mines Ltd.
I do agree that measures must be taken to co-ordinate mining and forestry activities in order that a sustainable environmentally friendly process is adhered to. This, however, should be done through scientific research and then the application of the findings of that research. Since the issue is the alleged “indiscriminate clearing of forest by miners,” I would like to suggest the following actions be taken:
The Guyana Forestry Commission should be the organizer and maintainer of all infrastructural works such as roads, bridges, etc, with miners’ contribution coming via tolls, taxation and/or road licences.
Monies allotted for LCDS should be utilized for the establishment of nurseries of saplings and seedlings.
New species of wood because of their economic value should be introduced, such as teak, red cedar, pine and eucalyptus trees. These saplings or seedlings should be introduced to already mined areas for reforestation. Commercially viable trees are usually removed from mining activities since mining in done in low grade forest (grade D) areas.
Miners would have the obligation of introducing new technology with regard to extraction, using chemical agents that would not harm the environment.
The mining industry has as its labour force approximately eight per cent of the employed. In all countries, developed and developing, forests have to be cleared to make way for the extraction of mineral wealth. There are other minerals to be extracted which are economically viable, such as iron, coal, etc. If our mineral reserves are to contribute to the development of our economy, then mining must be regulated, but not restricted.
Failing an accord, then 10-15% of all forested areas should be assigned for mining exclusively.
Yours faithfully,
Talib Bilal Rutherford
