Expanded Mineral Mapping to Fuel Guyana's Natural Resource Potential and Combat Deforestation

Guyana's mineral mapping capacity has recently undergone a significant expansion. In addition to monitoring well-known minerals like gold, diamond, and bauxite, the country has now broadened its focus to include critical minerals. This expanded scope involves the exploration of gallium, hafnium, iron, rare earth elements, copper, limestone mud, scandium, tantalum, and neodymium. By actively searching for these new commodities, Guyana is enhancing its natural resource potential. Mineral mapping is a non-destructive mining method that involves identifying and mapping mineral distribution in a specific area. It utilizes diverse techniques and technologies to detect and analyze the presence and quantity of minerals on the Earth's surface or beneath it. Additionally, this practice will contribute to the preservation of Guyana's forests. Mineral mapping in mining districts aids in identifying valuable deposits, enhancing productivity in the mining sector. It also minimizes deforestation by preventing the clearance of forested areas with insignificant mineral reserves. This information enables the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to update geological maps, facilitating more efficient identification and planning for the extraction of gold and other minerals. Mineral mapping plays a vital role in forest protection for several reasons. It enables informed decision-making, promotes sustainable resource management, and aids in the conservation of biodiversity, water resources, and cultural heritage. By integrating mineral extraction activities with forest conservation objectives, it ensures the long-term ecological integrity and sustainable use of forested landscapes. Mineral mapping is an integral part of the geological sciences and has been utilized since the Dutch first explored South America. The earliest mineral maps for Guyana appeared in 1796. While mineral exploration was limited in 2022 due to the pandemic, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) emphasizes that the process is ongoing. Regular updates and advancements in mapping technologies, such as remote sensing and geophysical surveys, contribute to improving the accuracy and efficiency of mineral mapping activities.

Source(Department of Public Information, 2023, Image: kakteen/Shutterstock.com)

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19 Jun 2023 17:45 | by anaraine

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