Transport and Hydraulics Minister Robeson Benn says regular aerial inspections are among the measures carried out to monitor the activities at mining camps.
Benn, in a written answer circulated at Tuesday’s sitting of Parliament in response to a question in the name of PNCR-1G MP Volda Lawrence, said that aerial surveillance is done regularly to gather information on the operational aspects of camps, and to take remedial or corrective actions where necessary. Additionally, he said community mining rangers, mines officers and district mining engineers also conduct strict and constant monitoring in mining districts to ensure that there is adherence to the country’s environmental laws. He also revealed that 37 mining camps have been warned about breaches, 12 have had their licences suspended, although none has had their licence revoked.
Recently, a report by the International Human Rights Clinic (IHRC) of Harvard Law School’s Human Rights Program said gold mining in Guyana inflicts “severe environmental, health, and social damage on the areas and people near mining operations.” The study, entitled “All that Glitters: Gold Mining in Guyana,” also said that poorly regulated mining practices are at the root of drastically increased sedimentation and mercury levels in the country’s waterways, which have led to public health crises among local communities.
Benn also said that education and encouragement is also being used to ensure observance of the laws. There have been demonstrations and workshops in relation to environmental awareness and requirements of environmental regulations in this vein.
