BOSAI suspends operation as search continues for missing operator

…PM, Ministers visit Linden site
…probe launched by Labour Ministry

The search for missing BOSAI Minerals operator, Neptrid Hercules continued on Monday – after he was consumed by quicksand on Saturday at the site – and his family has been assured that everything humanly possible is being done to find him.

Prime Minister, (ret’d) Brigadier Mark Phillips and Public Works Minister Juan Edghill spoke with family members at the BOSAI site in Linden, where the area was still being combed. Minister Edghill said an active investigation is ongoing with multi-agency collaboration to make headway.
“The assurance that they (BOSAI) have given us is that they will do everything that is humanly possible to make sure we get to this. The Ministry of Labour has an active investigation that is going on so as to verify what happened, to ensure there is no foul play or whatever the issue is. The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, which is the oversight body for persons involved in mining have been rendering the necessary technical advice,” the Minister told concerned family members.

The Government, he added, will continue addressing and engaging all stakeholders to conclude this matter.
While on the ground, the Prime Minister assessed the area and also met with officials of Bosai who briefed him on the current status of the ongoing search-and-rescue efforts.
He also addressed concerns about search-and-rescue endeavours, indicating that on the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s recommendation, search operations in the region were suspended throughout the night for safety considerations.

He explained that “The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission has advised them not to do any work during the night for a safety concern. So, the plan is that they didn’t do any work last night based on that advisory and that they will continue their search and rescue mission today. We are here on site because we want to find out more about what transpired. You have our support; we are here with you; we share your concerns.”
The Prime Minister also used the occasion to stress the significance of accurate information and updates regarding the ongoing efforts of BOSAI Mining Group Guyana, and he urged all necessary steps to be taken in the rescue of Hercules.
On site, family members stood with bated breath, waiting for word on the missing man.
“I don’t think any of us would rest and feel comfortable and to have closure until we get to where this matter really occurred and to find out why. We want to ensure that we do this collectively and the Government of Guyana stands ready to work with BOSAI and the wider community,” Edghill shared.
Hercules’ family has called for a complete scan of the worksite, to determine the location of the equipment. However, the company has communicated that metal detectors are being used to pick up any signs of such.
“We are not finished scanning all the area. We are doing it gradually with the help of the GGMC and the Government,” an official shared.
Public Relations Officer at BOSAI, Sherry Domer informed that the incident occurred at about 04:00h on Saturday. Hercules, who has been working with the company for over 40 years, was operating a bulldozer. The operator and the equipment were observed missing and a search and rescue team was deployed. The family was immediately informed and brought to the site.
Manual probing using steel rods was done in a bid to locate the machinery. Two hydraulic excavators were sent to remove overburden along with metal detectors. Due to risks of secondary movement on Saturday night, the search team ceased its pursuit.
GGMC personnel arrived on the site with a highly-advanced magnetic device on Sunday, which detected strong indication of metal mass some 15 metres below the surface. The company was advised to use excavators to remove debris, which continued on Monday morning.
Meanwhile, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat and a team also paid a visit to Region 10, where he met with family members of Hercules. He also visited BOSAI’S operations and the site of the accident. (G12)