Labour Ministry engages mining stakeholders on workers’ safety, draft legislation
Minister Hamilton with GGDMA representatives and other stakeholders after the meeting
A working committee will be established with the Labour Ministry, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA), and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), to evaluate and revise the existing draft Mining Regulations, among other important issues in the sector.
On Friday, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton and Occupational Safety and Health Consultant Gweneth King met with Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA) representatives.
The discussions focused on the safety and health of workers in the mining sector. The issues raised included the existing draft Mining Regulations, the harmonisation of safety and health regulations within the mining sector, the protection of workers and saving lives, fatal accidents and causes within the mining sector, the establishment of a framework to address safety and health at work in the mining sector, a timeframe to get things done and finding a way to work together to address the concerns.
“The Committee is expected to evaluate and revise the existing draft Mining Regulations, among other things. It was proposed that the committee be established and commence work by the end of October 2023, with the revised draft ready for consultation within six months,” the Ministry indicated.
The engagement concluded with satisfaction being expressed by the GGDMA on its outcome and a commitment to working together to improve the safety and health of workers in the mining sector.
