Region 8 residents call for end to mining in buffer zones
Mining operations have been discovered within buffer zones (areas along the bank of a river where mining is prohibited) in various communities in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and according to Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valarie Garrido-Lowe, Government is currently working to correct the situation.
Minister within the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry, Valarie Garrido-Lowe, addressing residents of Region Eight during the ministerial outreach
The Minister was at the time addressing Toshaos and councillors of District One in Region Eight, where the residents complained of persons mining in buffer zones in Chenapau and other surrounding communities.
Social Cohesion Minister Dr George Norton and Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan were among other Government officials who were part of the outreach in Region Eight.
Chenapau resident Edward McGarrel said that, in 2016, a representative from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) had engaged the residents and informed them that it was illegal to mine in buffer zones. The residents are concerned that there may be mining blocks in the buffer zones in the region.
McGarrel said the community does not have an issue with persons working in the mining areas, but it must be within the confines of the law, and must not infringe on their livelihoods.
Minister Garrido-Lowe said talks are ongoing between the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry and the Natural Resources Ministry with the aim of finding a solution to the issue of illegal activities in buffer zones. “That matter is being address at the moment, because we had about two meetings already; and it is not only Chenapau, it is also happening in Micobie and other areas… We wouldn’t take a year to iron that out, but we are working to see how we can give you positive results,” Minister Garrido-Lowe told the village leaders.
The minister noted that the activity has been ongoing for years, and is embedded within the miners, and so there is a process that has to be followed to stop it..
The many buffer zone requirements for mines, quarries and pits help minimize and prevent impacts on the environment, and nearby infrastructure such as roads and buildings. The general rule is that operations have to be at least 30 metres from property boundaries, infrastructure and environmentally significant features, such as watercourses.
Buffer zones help to maintain the integrity of the courses of the rivers, and prevent erosion, which in turn reduces instances of turbidity.
During a recent interview with the Government Information Agency, GGMC’s Acting Commissioner, Newell Dennison, stated firmly that the commission is adopting zero tolerance against miners who mine along the banks of rivers.
