Mine rehabilitation

A major impact of goldmining on the environment is deforestation. One of the expected conservation results of the WWF Guianas conservation program was to have an action and management plan developed for at least one site degraded by goldmining in Guyana and Suriname.

In Mahdia, Guyana a completely worked out site was selected because of its accessibility and in the surroundings there are numerous miners that can benefit from such demonstrations. This project is supported by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) that has a field station there with a competent mining engineer who monitors and reports on the development.

Through rehabilitation the land disturbed by small scale gold mining is reshaped so that it is stable, adequately drained and suitable for long term land use. Revegetation of the area with plant species supports the migration of fauna that will further sustain natural rehabilitation of the area.

The mine site was worked for over seven years and some good techniques were utilized during exploitation, therefore, the rehabilitation work could be carried out in the 3 months time frame allocated for activities.