A Brazilian man died on Friday evening in a mining accident at Micobie, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), the Ministry of Natural Resources has said.
According to a press release from the ministry, it received information that the man was working on a six-inch dredge, “which was said to be operating without permission of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).” The ministry said the Micobie Village Council had granted permission for the operation without informing or consulting the GGMC prior to doing so.
It added that a GGMC team was in the area conducting preliminary investigations and that the miner’s name would be released by the authorities in due course.
The Ministry of Natural Resources expressed sorrow and regret at the mining fatality and recommitted to working with miners and Amerindian titled communities to make the industry safe, accident free and better regulated.