Georgetown: Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud is scheduled to head a delegation to Colombia next week to advocate for a transition period for Guyana to cease the use of mercury in the mining industry.
The move is intended as a prelude to regional consultations for the Latin America and the Caribbean region in preparation for the fifth session of the intergovernmental negotiating committee on Mercury, Minister Persaud stated today.
Government intends to vigorously represent miners at the meeting next week in Bogota, towards the aim of the voluntary phasing out of mercury, which is widely used within the mining and manufacturing sectors in Guyana.
He pointed out that the socioeconomic implications of a ban in the production and supply of mercury against its use in mining will be highlighted as approximately one hundred thousand people directly or indirectly depend on the mining sector to earn a livelihood.
The Minister also pointed out Government’s recognition of the environmental and human health risks of mercury and pollution to the environment.
Government also plans to continue the focus on technical and financial resources in the gold mining sector in order to address the issues surrounding mercury use.
Work is continuing with all stakeholders to ensure the phased out implementation programme for the use of mercury.
Minister Persaud will be accompanied to Colombia by Commissioner (ag) of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and an Executive Member of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association.
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