Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, has assured miners in Region Nine that the government will continue working to ensure that mining at Marudi Mountain continues safely and sustainably.
The minister made these remarks at a meeting with the Rupununi Miners Association (RMA) at the mining site in the Rupununi District on Friday, a Department of Public Information (DPI) release said on Tuesday.
The visit was prompted by concerns regarding the impact of the operations at Marudi on nearby Amerindian communities and during the meeting, the miners shared their concerns, queries, and comments, centred on creating an enabling environment for business operations.
In speaking to the gathering, Bharrat emphasised the government’s commitment to responsible mining practices that benefit all stakeholders.
According to DPI, before 2020, the Marudi mining site experienced a period of closure due to environmental concerns and financial constraints. Upon assuming office, the government facilitated the restart of small-scale mining in the area, providing necessary permits and approvals, and addressing issues related to illegal mining there.
“There is no issue with mining in Marudi. The only issue we have in Marudi is that our miners need to work together, and to start cooperating with each other and to start supporting each other,” the minister stated.
He added, “We always said that if mining is going to happen in Marudi, it must benefit everyone, including the Indigenous people, including the villages in the Deep South. We agreed that once we restart mining in Marudi, it will be done safely, especially, concerning the environment.”
The miners present were urged to take greater care to prevent waterway pollution and to continue engaging with the local communities to better incorporate their feedback.
A 2021 visit to Marudi by Stabroek News revealed that gold mining activities in the area have caused damage to the environment with several creeks and their ecosystems totally destroyed. The Mazoa Mountain, located within the Marudi mountain range, has also seen significant changes with its peak completely flattened after a 2016 gold rush. The Locust Creek was the latest to have been completely destroyed by mining activities in the area.
Approximately 40 miners are currently involved in the operations at Marudi.
The minister also promised to support women in the sector.
“What I can promise you is… if more women want to go and mine, then we will support it. The women who are here, if you want to form a little group, a little association, call yourself the Rupununi Women Miners Association… we may be able to assist you with land to mine but I can’t promise you that it will be Marudi.”
Bharrat emphasised the importance of mining to Guyana, noting that it is the second-highest contributor to Guyana’s gross domestic product, and employs some 30,000 persons. Thus, given the lucrative nature of mining, the government was incentivized to restart operations in Marudi.
“Region Nine needs some kind of economic activities, especially in the Deep South, but it must be done properly,” he asserted.
Bharrat also noted that Region Nine is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, and the mining operations at Marudi contribute significantly to the region’s economic activity, fuelling its growth. He also mentioned that elections for the next leadership cohort of the Rupununi Miners Association (RMA) will be held next month.
Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, who also attended the meeting, said that the government will also examine ways to improve gold recovery in the area.
Several community leaders, including the Toshao of Aishalton Village, Timothy Williams, and Toshao Charles Simon from Awarewaunau, were also present at the meeting.
