Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud on Saturday visited the operations of Correia Mining Company (CMC) in Olive Creek, Region Seven, where he was given a firsthand look of gold-washing using an Xtruder 255 Shaking Table, a very viable alternative to mercury usage.
This shaking table, which costs US $ 32,000, is considered a gold finishing table and is the final step before smelting. It allows for 98 per cent recovery, is simple to operate, has the capacity of up to 255 pounds per hour and can recover very fine gold, down to 400 mesh with a minimal water requirement of six to 10 gallons per minute.
Banned
Mercury, a highly toxic chemical element, is banned in many countries, but is still used in Guyana and most of the developing world.
However, the government aims to gradually phase out its use by 2020 as it recognises the environmental and human health risks of mercury.
The Natural Resources Ministry, working closely with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), has been looking at ways in which miners can be further ‘incentivised’ for incorporating mercury-free technologies into their practices.
CMC Mining Operations Director Charles De Freitas explained that the “washing down” process takes about two to two-and-a-half hours maximum after which it goes straight to the furnace for smelting.
“Mercury is over Gy$ 20,000 per pound so we feel that in the long run this will not only pay for itself, but is also eliminating all the risks that come with mercury. This is a viable alternative,” De Freitas said.
Minister Persaud disclosed that discussions are ongoing with key stakeholders of the industry on additional incentives other than tax waivers on the importation of such technology.
The GGMC has invested in the procurement of two centrifugal gold recovery systems from South Africa, which is another form of mercury-free technology.
The minister explained that globally, it is recognised that there will be restrictions in the trade of mercury, and as a result access to the element will become very difficult and even more costly.
As such, the ministry stands ready to work closely with the players of the sector to gradually phase out the use of mercury and the initiative that CMC has taken lends significant impetus in this regard.
