Residents of Linden are poised to enjoy additional relief from the dust pollution caused by bauxite mining as Chinese bauxite mining company, Bosai Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc. (BMGGI), has promised to implement more robust dust collection measures.
This is according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director General, Vincent Adams, who has told Stabroek News that while the EPA acknowledges that Bosai has put much effort and resources into mitigating dust pollution over the years, it is not yet enough.
Adams has also told this newspaper that the implementation of monitoring mechanisms, to ensure that emissions meet prescribed standards, will accompany the additional measures to combat dust pollution.
The disclosures were made during an interview at which Bosai and EPA officials were present.
During the interview, Kenny Peng, Bosai’s acting General Manager, emphasised that when Bosai took over the bauxite mining operation in Linden from its immediate predecessor, Omai Bauxite Mining Inc., it installed two dust collectors to gather the dust which is produced in the mining process.
Peng said that this undertaking was indicative of Bosai’s commitment to mitigating dust pollution. He said that since Bosai took the mentioned action, feedback from residents suggests that the dust situation has not been as bad.
During the interview, Adams pointed out that he grew up in Linden and remembers that as a child playing in the streets, there were always dust clouds so thick it was difficult to see. Against that backdrop, he admitted that the situation has improved, but quickly added that dust emission levels are still high and that there is room for improvement. To this end, Adams said, the EPA has engaged the company about addressing the issue, and the company has committed to doing so.
“We appreciate that Bosai has come a long way, but it is still not where they are expected to be,” Adams has told Stabroek News.
Dust issues caused by Bosai’s operations stem as far back as 2007 when the company commenced operations, although dust pollution has not been as significant an issue as it was in those days.
In its 21st March 2008 issue, Stabroek News reported that Bosai was given one month to put forward proposals to address the issue of dust emissions after the company, in the face of mounting complaints from members of the community, announced plans to produce more than 500,000 tons of bauxite in that year. The company had produced 300, 000 tons in 2007.
Concerns over possible links between the bauxite dust emission and chronic respiratory problems among Region Ten residents abounded, particularly among those residing at Wismar. Stabroek Business had reported that a study conducted in 1993 found no evidence of a link between the bauxite dust and any serious health problems, however, another medical source told this newspaper that another study may now be necessary “if only because of the increased volume of bauxite dust.”
Peng told Stabroek News that the steps the company has taken over the years to reduce dust emissions is evidence of the company’s commitment to complying with all relevant guidelines.
Failure by the company to act in a manner prescribed by the EPA can result in suspension of its operations, or even the rescission of its licence.
