GGMC urges safety as 11 mining deaths recorded last year

Eleven mining-related fatalities were recorded in 2024 and Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Newell Dennison believes it is one too many.

“Unfortunately for 2024, we have had I think about 11 mine fatalities, not all of them were actually mine related but they were fatalities in the mining sector anyhow and that is way too much,” Dennison revealed at the Ministry of Natural Resources press conference on Tuesday.

Comparing 2024 to the previous year, Dennison noted that there were eight fatalities and emphasised the need for systematic efforts to address safety issues in the sector.

“It is something that we have to continue dealing with in a systematic manner, getting the message out there and providing the technical assistance required,” he said.

Adding: “It isn’t a case where we have not been promoting and running behind compliance for operations within the regulations, especially during weather challenges. When the rain comes, we know that’s a time we need to up our game,” Dennison stated.

In 2024, the GGMC conducted 2,671 compliance checks to inspect miners for infractions and ensure adherence to safety protocols.

Additionally, the GGMC’s Mining and Training School conducted programmes focusing on mining safety.

Meanwhile, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat further expressed concern over the fatalities in the sector.

“This is a big concern of ours, I can tell you that for sure. Every single incident has been investigated by the GGMC in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, and as mentioned, one death is too many,” Bharrat said.

And so, the minister called for greater collaboration and support from miners and further called for shared responsibility in safe mining practices.

“Yes, GGMC will do all that we can within our powers, but we need the support and cooperation from miners too. For example, in 2024, there was an incident where miners were working at 1 am and a pit collapsed. In such cases, it’s also the miners’ responsibility to prioritise their own health and safety,” Bharrat explained.

The Minister also pointed to negligence and carelessness by some miners as contributing factors to the fatalities.

“There are instances where it is not only due to a lack of monitoring by GGMC but also carelessness and negligence by a few miners,” he said.

In 2025, Bharrat announced plans to enhance technical support and training for miners.

“GGMC will lend more technical support to miners and increase training efforts because we believe this is essential and critical. We need to stop the perception that miners can just find a pit, dig, and find gold. It must be done properly and safely,” he added.

Meanwhile, the News Room reported several mining accidents in 2024; in April, Stephen Mark Samuel, 47, of Karwap Mission, Pomeroon River, Region Two, died after a mining pit collapsed at Puruni Backdam, Region Seven.

Two months later in June, Leon Lyken, 27, of Zeelugt New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, lost his life in a pit collapse at Frenchman Backdam, Region Ten. A week after this accident, Donston Fraser, 35, died in a pit collapse in Region One.

Then in August 2024, Sherwayne Joseph, 26, and Imran Blake, 19, were trapped and died in a mining pit collapse at St. Elizabeth Backdam, Potaro, Region Eight.

In December, Oral Anthony Rouse, 46, of 58 Miles Mabura Road, died following a mining incident at Aramu Backdam along the Cuyuni River.