This follows eight recent closures in the same area after they too were found to be making unacceptable discharges into the river.

A release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said the closures are associated with the continuing campaign of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to reduce levels of contamination in mining areas. To this end GGMC Commissioner Robeson Benn led a mission on a two-day tour of the Konawaruk mining district in Region Eight (Potaro/ Siparuni) to assess the environmental conditions of mines.

According to GINA, 37 operations were examined and 27 halted for corrective measures to be employed. Meanwhile, 23 small-scale operators are currently working to effect changes in their operations, which have seen discharges originating from the Minihaha Creek, a tributary of the Northfork Creek, which flows into the Konawaruk River.

Of the mining establishments visited four were found within acceptable discharge compliance limits or in close-circuit water recycle mode of operation, Benn told GINA.

Ten other mining facilities toured were not making discharges into the river while four of the eight closed recently were allowed to restart operations after being cleared by the Commissioner and his team, GINA said.

Benn told GINA that inspections and sampling are currently under way to ascertain levels of contamination to conduct a complete evaluation. Residents of the areas visited were reminded of the need to adopt safe mining practices including adhering to an acceptable level of discharge and the use of mined-out pits as settling ponds. They were also assured of the GGMC's ongoing work in providing advice to ensure this.

The GGMC is expected to continue monitoring environmental and other practices at mining districts as a priority.

Before departing the area, the GGMC team aided in the setting up of a Mining Affairs Committee in the Konawaruk district comprising shop owners, miners and transport providers among others.