Environmental education and awareness programs for goldminers
The education and awareness program in Suriname was carried out in collaboration with the Geology and Mines Department and the Anton de Kom University of Suriname. The program concentrated on educating miners on the dangers of inhaling toxic mercury vapor, eating mercury contaminated fish, the use of proper mining techniques, and evaluation of possible mining sites before investing in equipment among other issues.
The gold miners and residents in the Tapanahony, Benzdorp, Saramacca Creek, and Nieuw Koffiekamp in Suriname were trained.
In Guyana, the educational activities focused on gold miners and traders in Mahdia, Arakaka, Matthews Ridge, and Port Kaituma. Through a grant provided by WWF to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, a comprehensive education and awareness program was developed and executed throughout the mining districts in Guyana.
As a result of the WWF Guianas education and awareness activities more of the miners in the Guianas are now aware of the dangers of mercury. WWF Guianas conducted several field tests and demonstrations on the use of mercury retorts to the miners of Guyana and Suriname.
All of the small-scale gold miners (approximately 300) on Nana Resources Limited Benzdorp, (a gold mining concession in Southern Suriname) are now using mercury retorts to prevent mercury vapors from being released to the environment.
In Guyana, the educational activities focused on gold miners and traders in Mahdia, Arakaka, Matthews Ridge, and Port Kaituma. Through a grant provided by WWF to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, a comprehensive education and awareness program was developed and executed throughout the mining districts in Guyana.
As a result of the WWF Guianas education and awareness activities more of the miners in the Guianas are now aware of the dangers of mercury. WWF Guianas conducted several field tests and demonstrations on the use of mercury retorts to the miners of Guyana and Suriname.
All of the small-scale gold miners (approximately 300) on Nana Resources Limited Benzdorp, (a gold mining concession in Southern Suriname) are now using mercury retorts to prevent mercury vapors from being released to the environment.
Education and awareness programs for goldminers.
The retort causes mercury to be captured and recycled without it being released into the environment.