Investigations surrounding the circumstances that led to a mining accident in the Mazaruni, which claimed the life of a Russian geologist, have revealed that the mining company involved failed to notify the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) in a timely manner.
This is according to acting Commissioner of the Geology and Mines Commission Newell Dennison, who was responding to questions posed by Stabroek News regarding suggestions that the company attempted to stage a cover-up of the accident.
The accident, which would have occurred sometime last month, reportedly involves Innovative Mining Inc, a mining company said to be controlled by businessman Parmeshwar ‘Joe’ Jagmohan.
Dennison stated that based on the report received, after the accident occurred, the company would have contacted both the police and the Ministry of Social Protection as required.
But having contacted the said agencies, Dennison said, there was a delay by the company in notifying officials of the GGMC. Nevertheless, he said, representatives of the company have since lodged a report at GGMC detailing the circumstances that led to the incident.
Having reviewed this report, Dennison stated, he is satisfied that the only misstep was the company’s failure to contact GGMC in a timely manner.
“All that could have been ascertained from the report was that while the company would have notified both the police and officials of the Ministry of Social Protection, the shortfall came when they failed to notify GGMC officials in a timely manner,” Dennison said. The Russian geologist, whose name was only given as Oleg, and a mining worker, Kenneth Smith, were both in a newly dug trench taking samples when one of walls collapsed, covering them. The trench was about 10 feet deep and 45 feet long. Oleg was said to have died on the spot, while Smith sustained several injuries.
