Miners yesterday issued what they called A Manifesto for Mining, arguing against the phasing out of mercury without a “viable, proven replacement” and for a continuation of controversial river prospecting.
These key points in the manifesto published in yesterday’s Sunday Stabroek would pit the miners against environmentalists and key aspects of the current government’s policy. President David Granger has committed Guyana to eliminating the use of mercury by 2027.
In a paid advertisement, the miners sought to flex their political muscle. They said that as the nation prepares for general elections in March, 2020, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association and the National Mining Syndicate are speaking with one voice.
