The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) recently inspected several Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven mining camps to determine whether they were complying with safety regulations as well as to inform them of services aimed at boosting prospecting.

The team was led by GGMC Com-missioner William Woolford, a press release from the Government In-formation Agency (GINA) said.

Woolford said in some camps miners were complying with regulations and some camps are equipped with first aid kits. He also noted that some miners are using proper gear when dealing with mercury.

The GGMC is planning to improve its services and boost its presence in areas where there are more than 30 distinct mining operations. Woolford said the agency is considering opening offices in Imbaimadai and it has already requested a plot of land to establish one in Jawalla. Miners were also informed of a programme developed to assist them to find locations of deposits and to understand what affects mineralization in specific locations.

In an effort to provide a holistic approach, the GGMC is visiting each pit to obtain soil samples. Information obtained from the sample tests will help miners in their prospecting for gold and 48 other minerals.

In addition, it is working to ensure that tailings management is in place in order to ensure that aquatic life is not threatened. The agency is also working to find ways that miners can use equipment for gold mining in keeping with international changes that aim to reduce the use of mercury.

The agency also urged miners to practice proper hygiene and to keep their environment clean. It also distributed condoms and posters advocating safe sex.