The Ministry of Natural Resources [MNR] on Thursday announced that it is collaborating with the United States Geological Survey [USGS], the US Department of State’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs [OES] and the US Embassy, to conduct a joint training project in Geomorphological Mapping for the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission [GGMC], the Guyana Forestry Commission [GFC] and the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA].
According to MNR’s release, the objective of the training project is the use of tools and technologies intended to reduce the use of mercury in the gold mining industry, identify prospective alluvial [gold] deposits, and support capacity building and knowledge transfer [of the tools and technologies]. The MNR release says that the training sessions are divided into two components, the first session, currently ongoing for eight weeks with approximately forty participants, focuses on Digital Elevation Model [DEM] editing using Remote Sensing Data.
The objective of the first component, according to the release, teaches the use of the tools and technologies to derive a bare earth model, i.e. the earth with the canopy removed. The first session, according to the release, blends with the second session by integrating existing geological data with minimal field work and the bare earth model to identify the prospective alluvial deposits. The project, according to MNR, is an excellent opportunity for GGMC to develop its expertise in Geomorphological Mapping and the tools and technologies available. It will also help support the development of Guyana’s mining industry and provide opportunities for artisanal gold miners.
The release said that the collaboration between the MNR, USGS, OES and the US Embassy is a testament to their commitment to support sustainable development to Guyana, noted the release.
