Guyana Geology and Mines Commission workers this morning walked off the job after expressing their disappointment at the way the agency is addressing the issue of those workers who tested positively for mercury contamination.
The workers are also vowing to stay off the job once the mercury-laced gold continues to be burned in the compound.
Already several GGMC staff have been sent on leave, after it was determined that the level of mercury in their system was above the normal levels.
The workers are demanding that the Gold Board be relocated from that compound.
Chairman of the board of directors of the gold board, GHK Lall, said tests were conducted on Gold Board staff on over 100 GGMC workers and those results were comforting.
The GGMC workers said more of their colleagues have been seriously affected by the mercury contamination and are being sent on sick leave and still the company continues to burn gold in the compound.