Miner Deon Baptiste, 22, of Port Kaituma, North West District was last Monday killed, while Ralph Garraway of Charity, Essequibo Coast, Region Two was injured after a tree reportedly fell on them while they were working on the left bank of the Puruni River, Region Seven.
The men were reportedly conducting hydraulic mining in a swampy area at the time of the accident. Guyana Times understands that the tree was leaning in the direction of the mine pit, and it fell in the face of a strong wind on Monday.
Consequent to the accident, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission issued a cease-work order to the manager of the mine, Michael Kissoon, and an investigation is underway.
The Natural Resources Ministry (MNRE), in a release, has stated that the men were conducting hydraulic mining in a swampy area at the time of the accident.
“They were operating in a mine pit prepared only two days (earlier) by the excavator operator. The accident occurred due to inadequate tree clearance around the mine pit. The approximate height of the tree was 10 feet to 15 feet,” the release said. The MNRE added that while success has been achieved in curbing mine pit collapses, the need for greater vigilance and adherence to mining and safety regulations and practices remain very high.
