A mining accident today at Australian-owned company, Troy Resources Ltd resulted in the death of an employee and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has been instructed to carry out a thorough investigation.
The dead man has been identified as Ryan Taylor of Albert Street, Alberttown, Georgetown.
A release from the Ministry of Natural Resources this morning stated that Taylor died immediately after a mining pit collapsed at Troy Resources’ Karouni, Region Seven operations. The mining accident occurred sometime between 1 and 4 am.
Initial reports revealed that was Taylor was among miners working on the construction of a “bench” in a mining pit, when there was a slippage, which allegedly led to him falling and being covered by the rubble. A “bench” in the mining sector is referred to as a path created for a machine to access a mining pit.
Workers who were present rushed to Taylor’s aid immediately after the collapse and had to use shovels to remove the debris before being able to locate him.
Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman has since instructed the GGMC to begin making the necessary preparations for the thorough investigation of the matter. A report is to be compiled and submitted upon completion, the release from the ministry said.
Additionally, all work in the area of construction has been ordered ceased, pending the investigation.
“The Ministry continues to urge miners and companies to exercise extreme care when carrying out these operations. The Ministry further urges all involved in the sector to always be in compliance, to evade any risks and fatalities as the above,” the statement added further while expressing condolences to Taylor’s family.
Lawmen in the region have already been dispatched to the area to carry out their investigation.
Troy Resources (ASX: TRY) is a small to midsize gold producer with a history of developing and operating mines in Australia and South America.
According to its website, it has been operating in South America since 2002. In July 2013 the Company acquired Azimuth Resources Limited which had discovered the Karouni Project in Guyana. The Company fast tracked development of Karouni with first gold production occurring in November 2015 with fiscal year 2017 being the first full year of production. Hundreds of persons are employed at Troy.
Troy Resources this afternoon issued the following statement
Troy Resources Limited (ASX: TRY) (Troy or the Company) regrets to advise that a fatality has occurred as a result of an incident at its Karouni Gold Mine in Guyana on 8th October 2019.
Early indications are that the incident occurred at 2:25 am on the night shift where a geologist was standing above an excavated working face when the 3m embankment he was standing on collapsed and he suffered fatal injuries as a consequence.
Troy Managing Director, Mr Ken Nilsson said:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news and our heartfelt and sincerest condolences go to the family, friends and colleagues of our employee. We always make every effort to ensure the wellbeing of all of our people and this incident brings home the need for upmost vigilance in safety at all times.
“The Company is in close contact with the family of the employee and is providing full support to their family at this time of loss.”
Mining operations at Karouni have currently been temporarily suspended. The Company intends to bring a grief counsellor to help our employees cope with this tragic loss. There will be a full investigation by the Company and the relevant authorities.
