The local mining sector is set to benefit from new technology in 2014, geared at cutting down the use of mercury, Natural Resource and Environment Minister Robert Persaud said.
He told Guyana Times International that the sector will receive a great boost with the introduction of more trained personnel and equipment.
“We’ve looked in terms of introducing better technology and new technology to improve the recovery and less impact on the environment, more in terms of training in this regard.”
The minister said discussions are currently underway with the Amerindians Affairs Ministry and the National Toshaos’ Council, which are expected to be among the first beneficiaries.
Persaud said a reduction in the usage of mercury would result in the immediate reduction of a number of health problems and environmental concerns. This initiative would also facilitate Guyana’s transition to mercury free mining.
Cabinet recently had given its no-objection for the setting up of mercury-free technology fund to benefit small miners and Amerindian communities involved in mining.
Efforts being made by government are to satisfy the requirements of the treaty signed by them at the Minamata Convention on Mercury held last October.
The Minamata Convention on Mercury, which is a global legally binding instrument on mercury, was adopted in Minamata, Japan on October 7 to 11. The treaty is named after Minamata city where its residents suffered mercury poisoning during the 1950s.
Persaud said Guyana should be proud since it is one of the first countries to sign the convention. This step has enabled Guyana to move from a position where many in the mining sector were resisting the elimination of mercury, to the phasing out of it.
According to Persaud, some businesses in the mining sector have already phased out the use of mercury.
In addition, suppliers are including alternative technology on their inventories.
Another initiative by government to phase out mercury usage is the provision of equipment to miners.
According to the minister, the minimisation of the use of mercury would help to reduce some of the difficulties in the mining sector such as contaminated water and the threat to miners’ health.
However, there are other challenges facing the mining sector which are being combated through coordinated efforts of the various agencies under the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry.
