In the wake of continuing mining pit deaths, the government says efforts are ongoing to implement recommendations from a recent inquiry and the public will be advised of these.
Yesterday, the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment said it has recognised with “deep concern”, the continued unfortunate loss of lives in the mining industry, due mainly to mining pit collapses. It noted that an official inquiry into this deadly spate of events was launched in July 2015 and a report with recommendations for the improvement of safety has been tendered.
It added that efforts are ongoing to address the implementation of some of these recommendations.
“The public will be informed of these in the short term. In the interim, the Department wishes to advise all mine operators and workers to exercise due care and caution in their operations. The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has also been mandated to strictly enforce the regulations governing the operation of mines and the safety of mines workers”, it said.
The Department expressed its condolences to the families of those who have died in such accidents.
On September 2nd, a 39-year-old miner was discovered dead just after midday after the pit he was working in at Jumbie Creek, Potaro, Region 8, collapsed and buried him.
Sherwyn Henry, hailed from New Amsterdam but resided at Sophia and on Robb Street, Georgetown. He had been working in the interior for the past six years after returning from Antigua and Barbuda.
Speaking to Stabroek News, Laurine McDonald, aunt of the dead man said she received a call around 6:30 am Tuesday from her sister informing her that the mining pit Henry was working in had collapsed and he was missing.
The police along with the relevant authorities are also investigating a separate incident which occurred on September 2nd in the Takutu after another mining pit caved in leaving one dead. The man has been identified as Nigel Edwards.
