As Mining Week 2013 gets underway, the government is calling on all stakeholders to focus on cleaning up the image of the sector in order to preserve its gains.
The 10th Biennial Mining Conference and exhibition was launched last evening at the International Conference Centre, Liliendaal.
Both President Donald Ramotar and Minister of Natural Resources Robert Persaud charged the sector to address issues that can project the industry as representing “brute, force and ignorance.”
President Ramotar raised the issue of trafficking in persons and allegations of bribery in the mining sector. He urged miners to support his government’s efforts to stamp out such negative features
In addition, the President listed a series of steps for stakeholders to take to consolidate efforts to promote sustainable development and expand the mining sector. These ranged from better environmental practices to more value-added activities in the mining and minerals sector.
The Head of State lauded the contribution of miners.
Minister Persaud in his remarks noted that greater efforts are being placed on stamping out corruption and that the government has subscribed to the international extractive industry transparency initiative.
The minister noted, “The realization of greater wealth for the extractive industry in concert with sustainable social and economic progress critically depends on government to: ensure the effective management of natural resources and protection of the rights of all, especially the vulnerable, empower poor and vulnerable people to participate in economic opportunities, through investments in health, education, and gender equality…”
