The South American nation of Guyana is not granting any new permits to prospective diamond mining companies, for fear that continued mining activities will exacerbate pollution problems in the country's rivers, Phys.org reports. The government edict also falls on goldminers.
Guyana's Ministry of National Resources and the Environment informed the government body that grants diamond mining permits, the geology and mines commission, to refrain from issuing new concessions. No new steps will be taken until the government has consulted with the indigenous peoples that live on the banks of the river and depend upon it for drinking water and foodstuffs, AFP reports.
Mining activities in Guyana have negatively affected water quality, plant life and fish stocks in the rivers.
Foreign diamond companies mining in Guyana are said to wield great influence over the government, and their mining operations sorely lack transparency.