WWF Guianas continues rehabilitation program for mining areas
In April and May Rickford Vieira, WWF Guianas Goldmining Pollution Abatement Coordinator, continued his rehabilitation work in the mining town of Mahdia in Guyana. A mining engineer from the GGMC (Guyana Geology and Mines Commission) joined Rick on this field trip.
Goldmining does not have a static work place. Miners move to wherever their explorations indicate findings of gold deposits. So is the case of Mahdia, where most of the miners have moved their operation to work in close proximity of Omai Gold Mining Company Limited exploration concession.Due to the heavy rainfall in the area, some parts of the recently rehabilitated section eroded and the silt flowed into the current operating area of mine pit. To prevent this problem from reoccurring, silt fences were constructed at strategic locations. Silt fences are structures that prevent the free movement of soil from the banks of the mine into the mining pit.
Workers assisted with the collection and distribution of animal manure on the topsoil since most of the soil nutrients were leached out due to poor storage. They also transplanted shrubs and grasses from nearby areas on slopes to reduce soil erosion.
Since the Mahdia trip was cut short by the temporary transfer of GGMC's engineer and the unavailability of a bulldozer to complete the replacement of the topsoil, Rickford went to a new mining area to get familiar with the miners and their activities there. He saw that very few miners use mercury retorts, tailings facilities are non existent and the sanitary and safety conditions are poor.
Rick used several posters and brochures to explain to the miners practical methods and techniques to improve their working conditions. He placed specific emphasis on the dangers of unsafe handling of mercury and the advantages of the use of the retort for their health and the environment.
The next scheduled visit to Mahdia is at the mid June to continue the collection distribution of animal manure to increase the fertility of the soil. A bulldozer or excavator will be hired to push back the topsoil over some areas.
WWF Guianas is committed to improving gold mining practices in the Guianas and helping to restore the landscapes affected by gold mining.
