The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) on Friday held a symposium to focus on alternative technologies and techniques for better recovery and the reduction in the use of mercury in Guyana.
President of the GGDMA, Andron Alphonso said that this is in keeping with the Association’s goals for 2020, which is to fully and transparently explore all options available to miners to reduce the use of mercury in mining operations, according to a release from the association.
Alphonso said that many critics have accused the GGDMA of resisting the reduction of mercury but contended that this was not true. He said the reality is that the Association prefers to have “solid, proven advice on what works and not be sold equipment by people who only have a sales agenda”. The current technology, which has been used by miners for the last 50 years must be allowed to evolve and has to be considered when implementing new methods and equipment, he asserted.
The release said that the purpose of the symposium on Friday was to demonstrate to miners what can work in Guyana and what can be practical and beneficial. It said that the GGDMA has partnered with Conservation International and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to explore all options available to miners and the GGDMA welcomes the strengthened collaboration.
According to the release, Alphonso urged miners to appreciate that this is just the beginning and miners must recognise that the world has changed and miners have to change with it and transition to use less mercury if they expect to sell gold easily on the global market.
Alphonso also reminded miners to vote today for the political party that supports mining. He said miners, by now should have been exposed to the plans of the various parties and miners should use this information to make an informed decision to vote for the party that will support and sustain the mining industry. He added that the Guyanese public is looking forward to a peaceful, transparent, free and fair elections and urged all political players to ensure that they deliver on this.
