Minister in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes on Saturday witnessed disturbing damage to the environment by miners in Konawaruk (Potaro-Siparuni).
A release from her ministry yesterday said that the minister and her team and another from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission were disturbed by the obvious damage that is being done to the environment from mining activities in the area.
“In one instance, an excavator operated by an employee of a large mining company was seen pushing material from the land of the Potaro River into the river.
The bank of the river has already been destroyed and there is no buffer zone, as is required, but the excavator was making preparation for a land dredge to become operational”, the statement said.
The Ministry of Natural Resources called on miners, particularly those in large concessions, to work in an environmentally friendly manner by adhering to the mining regulations.
“The Ministry calls on miners to be more responsible while urging the large-scale operators to set examples for smaller miners in observing best practices. Miners are also reminded about the reclamation process.
All holders of large-scale mining (permits) are asked to lead the way in this process and ensure that the area is restored following their mining activities”, the release said.
For years reports have been carried in the media about environmental damage caused by miners at places like Konawaruk and along the Potaro River.
The team also received several complaints from miners about the actions of the supernumerary constables employed by mining companies.
The Ministry said in the release that it is well aware of the security concerns of miners and their resort to hiring such constables but it is also concerned about the complaints received from small miners who alleged that they are at times threatened with guns. Small miners have also complained about their equipment being destroyed and their camps being overrun, the release said.
After listening to the miners, Broomes advised them to take photographs and video recordings of such actions and to report the incidents to the Guyana Police Force.
