With current gold extraction methods yielding inefficient results, the introduction of new mercury-free mining technology is expected to boost production by almost 50% while also addressing environmental concerns.
The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission recently said gold extraction methods in Guyana were somewhat inefficient, while noting that for every ounce of gold extracted from the soil, another ounce was left in. This has put the production rate of gold in Guyana at about 49% to 50%.
However, if this new technology lives up to the hype created at yesterday’s demonstrations of two Trommel Screen Decks, it is said that production will be taken beyond the 90% mark, while the entire process, from excavation to extraction of the gold itself, would 100% mercury-free.
Vern Matkovich, Chief Operations Officer of Mulgravian Ventures Guyana Inc, the company that has brought the technology to Guyana, yesterday explained how the machinery worked and expressed his belief in the machine’s efficiency to Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud.
Matkovich, who has worked in mining for 30 years, stated that the machines were brought by Mulgravian Ventures Guyana Inc, which is partnering with another firm, Guyana Frontier Mining Corporation to use them. He said the technology was developed in New Zealand and is very popular in mining industries around the world.
E Gelly Gnissios, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Guyana Frontier Mining Corp, said that he was very impressed with the machine’s demonstrated rate of effectiveness. Gnissios stated that in addition to yesterday’s demonstrations, he has seen video demonstrations of the machines in operation and is satisfied with what he has seen so far.
He also said that one of the two Trommel Screen Decks on display yesterday was for use on his mining site in the North West District.
Gnissios did admit that his one concern is that the machines require a substantial amount of water to clear the obstacles and other impurities from the extracted minerals. He said that while the North West has an abundance of water, there are areas that do not have a readily available water source. He opined, however, that this issue, if it were to arise, should be easily resolvable by drilling wells.
Aluko Primus, whose family has been operating in the mining industry for five generations, said that the method explained at the demonstration is much more viable than what is currently being used. Primus explained that in addition to the demonstrations, his research has revealed that the use of the Trommel Screen Deck will cut production costs, while increasing production to approximately 92%.
He stated that though new to the Guyanese market, the machine is quite popular in other areas of the world. As it relates to cost, he mentioned that he has seen the equipment on sale in Canada for as much as Cdn$400,000, but speculated that it should be made available in Guyana for a lower price.
Matkovich himself, when asked the price the machine would go for, was unable to give an official price but mentioned that cost would be in the vicinity of “a couple hundred thousand US dollars.”
Selena Agrippa, a facilitating agent, stated that the development comes at very strategic time since many local miners are looking to retire mining methods that incorporate the use of mercury. She stated that the industry seems to be moving further and further from the traditional use of mercury, which makes finding alternative methods very important.
Agrippa said that several of her clients, a few of whom attended the demonstration, have expressed an interest in the equipment, especially considering its purported production capabilities. She mentioned, however, that a more thorough demonstration of the equipment’s capabilities was needed to sate the curiosity of her clients. She said that while yesterday’s demonstration shows that the machines work, it is very important that her clients see the machines “in action,” so as to asses their effectiveness.
In addition to their partnership with Guyana Frontier Mining Corp, Matkovich mentioned that several other entities, including bauxite giant Omai, have expressed interest in being fitted with the machines considering its estimated effectiveness is as marketed.
After the demonstration and an explanation of how the machine works, Minister Persaud said that he was highly impressed with technology, particularly since it excludes the use of mercury.
Persaud said that while Guyana has not banned the use of mercury, the administration still encourages miners to seek alternative production methods. He add that in cases where mercury is still he used, miners are encouraged to use it responsibility, considering the negative impact it has on the environment.
Persaud also mentioned that the government is also looking at giving incentives to miners who opt to exclude the use of mercury to extract gold and other precious minerals. He said that consultations have already been held with the Guyana Gold and Dia-mond Miners Association as well as individual miners to communicate this possibility.
However, he stated that the ministry does not and will not tell the miners what to do in terms of purchasing the machines. Instead, he said, the ministry will make available the various choices, including those demonstrated yesterday, and allow them to make their own decisions.
