GGMC continues replanting at mined-out areas

-10 hectares being cultivated at Mahdia

In keeping with mining regulations, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and CIDA have been working with miners to re-vegetate non-operational mining areas.

On Saturday, GGMC Commissioner William Woolford and other officials along with miners in Mahdia, Region Eight planted several hundreds of acacia mangium at St Elizabeth as part of its reclamation efforts to demonstrate to miners that reclamation is possible.

According to a Govern-ment Information Agency (GINA) press release this exercise, which was the fourth carried out by the entity, focused on replanting 10 hectares of mined-out white sand area. Acacia mangium is a multi-purpose plant that replenishes soil fertility by adjusting its nitrogen. It is also suitable for intercropping fruits and vegetables such as pineapple and plantain.

The plants are grown in a nursery, which is the first of its kind located in Mahdia. Woolford noted that students of the Mahdia Secondary School are benefiting from the facility as it serves as a farm. To ensure that the miners and the school understand their duties and responsibilities regarding the replanting exercise, GGMC took miners and the school’s Agriculture Science teacher to French Guiana where they interacted with their counterparts who are also involved in replanting. Woolford noted that it is advantageous to have the school included in this exercise, as youths after leaving school will have knowledge about this vital activity.

They can then gain employment in mining sites to execute the replanting of trees.
GGMC also has replanting exercises at Isseneru, Noitgedacht, Aranka and Arakaka. It has three post-usage plans for mined-out land at Noitgedacht including the planting of acacia mangium (and cultivating crops between the acacia mangium), utilising the old mining pits as fish ponds for sport fishing, and constructing recreational facilities for relaxation.

GINA said the commission will continue its efforts by ensuring that miners observe the mining regulations in replanting mined-out areas since it is environmentally friendly and allows future generations to utilise the lands.