Guyana GGMC denies plans to discharge cyanide and mercury in river

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has denied reports suggesting that Avalon Gold Exploration Inc. plans to release water containing cyanide and mercury into the Essequibo River.

The GGMC clarified that Avalon only holds an exploration license, not a mining license, and is therefore not authorized to conduct mining activities. Any future mining would require a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and an approved mining plan.

The GGMC explained that the dewatering referenced in the reports is solely for draining a mining pit to facilitate exploration, not mining itself. They emphasized that this pit is not a tailings pond, which is specifically designed to manage materials with toxic substances. Furthermore, the commission noted that large-scale mining in Guyana typically does not involve mercury, and the use of cyanide is strictly regulated to minimize the risk of contamination in water bodies.

The commission said before any dewatering can proceed, Avalon Gold Exploration Inc is required to obtain the necessary environmental permits to ensure full compliance with all relevant regulations.