Guyana seeks cash to transition into mercury-free mining

Guyana is pushing for financial and technical support from developed countries for its transition to mercury-free mining. The exportation and use of mercury have been banned, and that ban will become effective come 2013.
Earlier this year amid uncertainty in the mining sector, government had assured miners that there will be no ban on mercury, which is used to recover gold, and that   avenues will be explored for viable alternatives.
The assurance was given following statements made by Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA) President Patrick Harding that miners had doubts about the survival of the industry, given that with the implementation of varying new regulations, the future seems bleak. “We are not certain of the future of our industry with the probability of the mercury being banned,” Harding had said then.
According to him, there has been no definitive alternative gold-recovery method identified for use next year.  “What’s going to happen to this mining industry come 2013?” Harding asked, as he explained the hardships that would face miners in the sector. He acknowledged, however, that the methods used to recover gold need to be improved.  “We are working with the GGMC [Guyana Geology and Mines Commission] and other organisations to help you improve recovery,” Harding added.
Transition period
Meanwhile, Guyana has requested a transition period to phase out mercury in mining. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud highlighted Guyana’s position on the issue, during regional consultations for the Latin American and Caribbean region in preparation for the fifth session of the intergovernmental negotiating committee on mercury being held from November 26 to 29 in Bogota, Colombia.
Persaud told the media last week that the socio-economic implications of a ban on mercury use in mining would be highlighted as approximately 100,000 persons depend directly or indirectly on the mining sector to support themselves and families.
The minister noted government’s recognition of the environmental and human health risks of mercury use, including the issue of pollution, and its plans to focus its attention on technical and financial resources to effectively phase out mercury use.
Global legally-binding instrument
A release by the subject ministry on Wednesday indicated that “Guyana’s team made a series of suggestions and recommendations to ensure that the issues affecting Guyana are adequately reflected in the region’s position in the global legally-binding instrument”.