The Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman has directed that the burning of raw gold at the Gold Board’s laboratory, Upper Brickdam, Georgetown will cease as of today.

In a statement this afternoon, the Ministry of Natural Resources said miners will receive due notice of the alternative and authorised place or places at which they could sell their gold.

Workers of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, which is located in the same compound with the Gold Board, started strike action last Friday in wake of the high levels of mercury in the area.

The Ministry and the Gold Board today said they will continue to ensure that the health and welfare of every worker will be treated with the highest importance and urgency.

The Government is also expected to continue working towards the implementation of the Minimata Convention that will see the significant reduction and subsequent eradication of the use of mercury by miners in the recovery and amalgamation of gold, according to the Ministry.

“The use of mercury negatively impacts the lives and environments wherever it is in use – whether in the Georgetown, or in hinterland communities, and must eradicated”, the release noted.

-Demwaves Photo-

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