Head of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Newell Dennison, said as per routine, an investigation has been launched into Monday’s mining pit collapse that claimed the lives of two miners at Mowasi Backdam, Konawaruk, Potaro, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
Head of GGMC, Newell Dennison
“I know that GGMC has a routine response to these mining accidents and that routine response is in the form of an investigation. Our routine response to these kinds of accidents is we do go and investigate and do a report and we do our field observations, enquiries and permit and say exactly what may have happened, what are the issues that contributed to the actual accident/incident,” Dennison explained.
The incident occurred at about 20:00h on Monday claiming the lives of Deon Sproston, called “Jersey Joe”, 36, of Lot 133 Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, and “Shawn” (only name given) of Aishalton, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
According to preliminary reports, the duo were searching for gold using metal detectors while it was pouring heavily. The intensity of the rainfall caused the pit to collapse, resulting in the men being buried under mud and stone. They were in the company other miners who were able to escape with varying injuries.
Reports are the other workers, who managed to escape unhurt, quickly sounded an alarm and with the aid of others, began to dig for the men. However, the men were eventually located and pulled some two hours later. They were rushed to the Mahdia District Hospital where they were pronounced dead on arrival.
Minister Raphael Trotman
“Investigations have already commenced. Our officer was on the ground with the Police and that officer would have provided us with some general information but our team (of investigators) was dispatched and the intention to dispatch today (Wednesday) to go into the area,” Dennison said during a telephone interview.
However, on Wednesday, the Natural Resources Ministry issued a statement indicating that subject Minister Raphael Trotman has ordered an investigation into the incident.
Additionally, the Ministry said it is in receipt of reports that suggested the men may have been conducting illegal mining in the area. “Their deaths are as a result of a 20-foot deep pit caving in while they were on a mining concession conducting illegal mining activities.
Reports coming to the Ministry suggests several persons illegally mine and raid the concession for raw gold by using metal detectors, spades and small engines, among other equipment. The Ministry continues to look into issues of illegal mining and land raiding and deters such acts,” the statement read, while expressing condolences to the families of the dead men.
On the issue of the legality of the mining operation, Dennison related that their investigation is yet to determine that, explaining that he would refrain from speculation.
“We haven’t completed the investigation by a far chalk to understand what the situation is on the ground to find out where the culpability could be and these things. So let’s not go there,” he said.
“Illegal mining is occurring all over Guyana and it’s a scourge of the sector and we have been desperately using our resources to try and curb that and have a better sense of order and conduct in the mining sector. So don’t let’s speculate beyond what it is about who’s culpable and what would happen to the owner and all those things. Those things are to be ascertained,” Dennison added.
These latest deaths have brought the death rate to seven for this year.
In January, 23-year-old Handel Payne, also called “Daggie” of Kaneville Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, died after the mining pit in which he was working at 35 Miles, Konawaruk Backdam, collapsed.
In April, miner Kevin Adams, 25, of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) died at Chinese Creek Backdam, Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) after a pit caved in and buried him alive.
One month later, in May, Ken Ranny, 20, a resident of Kamarang, Upper Mazaruni River, died after he was covered by mud after the wall of a mining pit collapsed at Pepper Camp Backdam, Upper Mazaruni River.
Again, one month later, in June, miner Elmo Adams died after he too was covered alive after the walls of a pit in which he was working caved at Imbaimadai, Upper Mazaruni.
Back in 2015, 10 persons died in a mining pit in the Konawaruk area after it collapsed.
The 10 miners were Leyland Jones, Jason Trotman, Vick Bernard, Frank Bernard, Desmond Martins, Raymond August, Brian Bank, Trevon Phillips, Nanmore Kurt and another man identified only as “Michael”.
