Misapplication of cyanide by illegal miners increasing

There has been a sharp growth in the use and misapplication of cyanide by illegal miners in the Tarkwa-Nsueam Municipality and the Prestea Huni-Valley District, Francis Fynn, Senior Training Officer in charge of the Metallurgy Department of Goldfields Ghana Limited (GGL),Tarkwa Mine, has said.

“If nothing is done about the use of cyanide by the illegal miners, the health of residents in communities where illegal mining is undertaken could be endangered. It is unacceptable for Ghanaians, especially those living in mining areas, to sit aloof and allow illegal miners to use cyanide in their communities.

Mr. Fynn, speaking at a cyanide awareness programme for stakeholders organised by Goldfields Ghana Limited’s Tarkwa Mine at Tarkwa, charged the public to report any illegal miner suspected of using cyanide to help reduce hazards caused to the environment.

He said cyanide is very toxic even in small amounts, and when damp may smell like bitter almonds or ammonia.

Mr. Fynn explained that the cyanide chemical can enter the bloodstream through inhalation, ingestion and absorption through the skin.

“Symptoms of mild cyanide poisoning include a burning sensation of tongue, headaches, unusual behaviour, nausea, weakness of limbs, rapid pulse, difficulty in breathing and salivation.

“Feelings of suffocation, vomiting, cherry-red complexion, gasping for breath, convulsions and collapse, decreasing consciousness and cessation of breathing are also symptoms of severe poisoning.

“The public is to avoid direct contact with cyanide, which must only be handled when one is wearing a protective outfit, safety glasses and mask,” he advised