Mineral Resources
In the upper Mazaruni River basin, in 1890, near Issineru village, first alluvial diamonds were found in Guyana. The discovery was made accidentally by Edward Gilkes, was prospecting for gold along the Putareng Creek, a small left hand tributary of the Mazaruni River. Since then, according to Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Mazaruni River, along with its tributaries (Meamu, Kurupung and Eping Rivers), produced over 50 percent all of alluvial diamonds mined up to now in Guyana.
The gravels of Mazaruni River and its tributaries are, as well, gold bearing. Some places, such as Imbaimadai, Kamarang, Aruwai, Tiboku, Kaburi and Marshal Falls produced a large amount of alluvial gold during golden era of river dredging (1980–1995).
The river remains, to a lesser degree, a source of alluvial gold and diamonds. A few miles west of Bartica, there was an unsuccessful attempt to establish a hard-rock gold mine in 1888. The source of extensive gold and diamond placers is still a mystery. Regardless of the origins, the Mazaruni River Basin was blessed with rich gold and diamond placers which were exploited for over last one hundred years.
Read more about this topic: Mazaruni River
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