Mining, a vital sector in Guyana’s economy, has long played a significant role in the country’s development. This rich mineral resource provides employment opportunities and contributes to national revenue. Small-scale and artisanal mining operations dominate the landscape, employing thousands of individuals, often in hazardous conditions.
However, this industry also carries inherent risks, as evidenced by the occurrence of mining accidents, some of which are avoidable. Mining accidents in Guyana encompass a range of incidents, especially collapses in illegal mines.
One of the primary contributors to these accidents is the prevalence of artisanal and small-scale mining activities, some of which often operate informally and lack proper safety protocols. Despite efforts by the Government to regulate the mining sector and improve safety standards, mining-related deaths continue to occur in Guyana with alarming frequency. Recently, there have been several mining accidents in Guyana’s interior involving collapsed mining pit walls.
Earlier this week, a mining pit at Arakaka, North West District (NWD), Region One (Barima-Waini) collapsed, resulting in the death of a miner. The dead miner, Timothy Fraser, died after being covered by the rubble of the collapse. Just days before that, another miner was injured when a 17-foot pit wall collapsed also at Arakaka, Perseverance, Matarkai.
Nolan Leung was jetting inside the pit with a six-inch water pump near the wall when it gave way.
Just a week prior, another miner, Leon Lyken, lost his life at Frenchman Backdam in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice). The 27-year-old, of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), was working with others when a section of the pit collapsed.
Lyken was trapped by the debris, while his colleagues managed to escape, though one sustained a broken foot and other injuries.
The rugged terrain and harsh environmental conditions in mining regions add to the complexity of ensuring safety standards. Remote locations make it difficult to provide more enforcement of regulations and, in some instances, immediate medical assistance in the event of an accident, exacerbating the risks faced by miners. Without proper monitoring and enforcement, miners engaged in illegal activities face heightened dangers.
Other factors that contribute to these accidents are heavy rainfall and unstable geological conditions, which result and/or contribute to landslides and collapses in mining pits. To mitigate these dangers, there must be strengthening of regulatory oversight and enforcement of existing safety regulations. This includes conducting regular inspections of mining sites and imposing penalties for non-compliance. Added to that, providing comprehensive safety training to miners can empower them to identify and mitigate risks effectively.
Additionally, encouraging responsible mining practices that prioritize safety, environmental sustainability, and community engagement can help create a culture of safety within the industry. This includes promoting the use of appropriate technology and techniques to minimize risks to workers and the environment.
Mining accidents pose significant challenges to the safety and well-being of workers in Guyana’s mining sector. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that combines regulatory enforcement, education, and support for responsible mining practices.
By working collaboratively across stakeholders and implementing targeted interventions, the risks associated with mining activities can ensure a safer and more sustainable future for the industry.
