-following concerns raised by residents
By Khamisi Slowe
The Ministry of Natural Resources has suspended a mining permit granted to a foreign company for operations in Aranaputa, North Rupununi, following concerns raised by residents, regional officials and environmental groups.
Deputy Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Jimmy Reece, confirmed the suspension in a phone interview with Stabroek News.
Reece stated, “The special mining permit issued to the NDC has been suspended today by the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat. This decision follows a meeting with North Rupununi residents who raised concerns about the project and its environmental impact. The agreement between the NDC of Aranaputa and the operator is not available to me at this time for further comment.”
The suspension followed a news item in yesterday’s Stabroek News which reported Region Nine Chairman, Bryan Allicock, and residents of the region objecting to the mining permit, citing the absence of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).
On March 11, Stabroek News had reported on a Department of Public Information release which had said that the deal was signed following extensive consultations.
Signing the agreement were NDC Chair Gillian Rodrigues and Sol’s Director Luis Antonio. Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai and Legal Officer from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Miriam Andrew-Ming witnessed the simple ceremony, according to DPI.
The presence of Minister Sukhai at the signing has raised questions in light of the complaints by residents of no study or consultations. Sukhai could not be reached for comment and has said nothing on the matter.
Bharrat travelled yesterday to Aranaputa to meet with residents and regional officials, where he officially announced the suspension of the permit granted to Sol Nascente Incorporated, a company about which very little is known.
Allicock yesterday welcomed the decision, emphasising the potential devastation mining could cause to the North Rupununi ecosystem.
On Monday, Allicock had told Stabroek News, “We have worked for years to preserve the wetlands of the Rupununi. The proposed mining site is located near the headwaters and creeks where fish come to spawn. Regardless of what safeguards are in place, pollutants could spread through the waterways, affecting around 6,000 residents.”
Allicock further stated that the suspension should be permanent, adding, “We have asked for it to be stopped completely. I asked the President (Irfaan Ali) to put an end to it.”
The non-profit organization Visit Rupununi also expressed strong opposition to the mining operation, stating that mining of this nature has no place in the Rupununi region.
Allicock urged Village Councils and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils to be more cautious when entering agreements and to ensure community involvement in decision-making processes.
Meanwhile, Bharrat in his discussions with residents, emphasised the government’s commitment to balancing development with environmental preservation.
