Commission to undertake project to map Guyana

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Apr 1, CMC – The Geological Service Division of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) says it will be undertaking several initiatives across the country aimed at mapping Guyana’s mineral deposit.
It said the 12 projects are part of an initiative to map the entire country’s mineral deposits by 2020 and that the David Granger administration has set aside two billion dollars (One Guyana dollar =US$0.004 cents) for the venture.
CGMC geologist, Lawrence Simon, said that while the information gathered will allow the GGMC to update its geological maps, it will also be invaluable to miners who could use the information to pin point exactly where gold or other mineral deposits are located.
Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes said the information will reduce wanton destruction of the environment while fitting perfectly into the government’s green economy agenda.
 “I would want to see that we move to quantification so not only do we know that there is some amount of mineral here but, we know the value, the worth for the mineral that is there,” Broomes said.
Meanwhile, the authorities say that mining operations have been discovered within buffer zones in various communities in Region Eight. Buffer zones are areas along the bank of a river where mining is prohibited.
Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valarie Garrido Lowe, said that the government is currently working to correct the situation and that talks are ongoing between the Ministries of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and Natural Resources with the aim of finding a solution to the issue of illegal activities in buffer zones.
“That matter is being address at the moment because we had about two meetings already and it is not only Chenapou, it is also happening in Micobie and other areas… We wouldn’t take a year to iron that out but we are working to see how we can give you positive results,” she told the village leaders.