New Consultancy Aims to Boost Safety and Investment in Guyana’s Small-Scale Gold Mining Sector
By Antonio Dey |HGP Nightly News.
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — As Guyana grapples with rising mining-related fatalities and operational hazards, a new initiative has emerged to support and professionalize the small-scale mining sector.
John Applewhite Hercules, principal consultant of the newly formed “Artisanal Small Gold Miners Guyana” (ASGM), says his company is committed to helping small miners and investors navigate the gold mining landscape while improving safety and compliance.
Speaking to reporters, Hercules emphasized that ASGM’s mission is to equip current and prospective miners with the tools, knowledge, and legal insight to succeed safely and sustainably.
“There are specific safety standards and mining distances that must be observed, especially when working near the mine face or benching in a pit,” Hercules explained.
ASGM, launched on February 6, 2024, offers workshops and training focused on:
- Occupational health and safety
- Environmental and mining law compliance
- GPS navigation and map reading
- Entrepreneurship and mineral prospecting
Hercules, who is also a lecturer at the University of Guyana and former Director of the Guyana Mining School, brings 18 years of experience from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to the role.
He noted that improper mining techniques—especially ignoring engineering requirements such as benching—can lead to deadly pit collapses due to lateral earth pressure, groundwater flow, or excessive rainfall.
“The ground has to be engineered. There must be benching. These are not optional. Failure to follow basic engineering practices puts lives at risk,” he said.
ASGM also advocates for miners’ rights, informing them that even artisanal and small-scale miners can pursue legal recourse when affected by land encroachment, unsafe practices by neighboring operations, or regulatory breaches.
“Successful mining investments depend on understanding the regulatory framework. Ignorance is no excuse under the law,” Hercules said.
By focusing on compliance, training, and environmental responsibility, ASGM hopes to transform small-scale mining from a risky, informal industry into a safer, more sustainable, and economically viable sector.
