Artisanal Gold Mining Activities in Guyana
This report comprises a preliminary assessment of the artisanal gold mining activities in Guyana as a result of a five-day visit to the Mahdia Project. Differently from other countries in South America, the artisanal mining sector in Guyana seems to have more control by the Government. The presence of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) in the interior is a relevant factor for a relative control, assistance and enforcement. Number of artisanal miners in Guyana ranges from 6,000 to 10,000 and the annual gold production by “porknockers” might be around 3 or 4 tonnes. According to GGMC all porknockers are working in legal claims.
The Mahdia project is an initiative of the GGMC to bring technology to miners. The project will reinforce the presence of the Government in the interior bringing infrastructure and assistance for porknockers. The GGMC is very receptive and flexible to expand the project objectives to accommodate ideas such as Amalgamation Centers or Experimental Mining Centers. GGMC has optimal conditions to receive UNIDO support in the Mahdia project. The technical team is composed by an enthusiastic group of young engineers and geologists who, with little training, can transform Mahdia Project in an example for other countries. GGMC, with 250 employees, seems to be an organized institution with a relative financial support from the Government. The main technical assistance needed for the Mahdia seems to be related to environmental project management, environmental monitoring (analytical facilities), adequate mineral processing technologies, tailing disposal and revegetation, environmental education and ecotoxicology. Guyana also has experienced professionals who have lent their expertise to the project.
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Additional Info
- Author(s)
- M Veiga
- Publication Year
- 1998
- Associated Partners
- University of British Columbia (UBC)
- Language
- English
- Publishing Institution Webpage
- https://www.unido.org/
- Data Source Classification
- Program Report
- Research Type
- Secondary
- Research Methodology
- Secondary - PREVIOUS RESEARCH
- Thematic Tags
- Environmental, Mercury
- Minerals
- Gold
- Region
- Latin America & Caribbean
- Country
- Guyana
- Last Updated
- September 4, 2019