Resources and Minerals of Guyana

• Resources are anything natural or physical that can create wealth or improve the standard of living.

Semi-Precious Minerals

• Semi-precious minerals are for jewelry and crafts, less valuable than diamonds and rubies.

Mineral Resources

• Mineral resources are concentrations of economically valuable materials in or on land.
• Mineral resources occur naturally in the soil/land
• Mineral resources include petroleum, coal, salt, manganese, and copper.
• Guyana has:
  • Precious and semi-precious stones
  • Bauxite
  • Sand
  • Stone
• Guyana has vast deposits of kaolin which have not been exploited.

Physical Resources

• Physical resources are found in nature and harnessed for production, e.g., land, water, plants, minerals.
• Renewable physical resources can be recycled/replaced after use, e.g., land, plants, animals, weather.
• Non-renewable physical resources cannot be replaced after use, e.g., bauxite, petroleum, minerals.

Human Resources

• Human resources are people's skills, talents, and abilities.
• Human resources help produce goods/services and maintain/improve living standards.

Mining in Guyana

• The Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) manages mining under the Mining Act of 1989.
• The GGMC is the guardian of all minerals in Guyana.
• Permission from GGMC is needed before exploration.
• GGMC has 5 technical divisions overseeing Mines, Environment, Petroleum, and Geological Services.
• GGMC manages 9 mining stations across Guyana's 6 mining districts.

Gold

• Gold is a valuable precious metal used in jewelry and decoration.
• Pure gold is bright, reddish-yellow, soft, and ductile.
• Ductile means able to be deformed without losing toughness.
• Gold Mines in Guyana:
  • Aurora Gold Mine, Region 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni)
  • Omai Gold Mines, Region 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni)
  • Marudi Mountains, Region 9 (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo)
  • Mahdia, Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni)
  • Bartica and Its Hinterlands, Region 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni)

Diamond

• A diamond is a precious stone formed from colorless crystalline pure carbon.
• Diamonds are mined by hand and suction dredges in the Mazaruni and Pakaraima Mountains rivers.
• Suction dredges are machines that scoop/suction sediments from waterways to mine materials underwater.
• Most Guyana diamonds are exported as rough diamonds due to a small domestic cutting industry.
• Diamond mining is declining because operations are medium-scale so maximum extraction is not done.

Bauxite

• Bauxite is a sedimentary rock with high aluminum content and the world's main source of aluminum.
• Refined bauxite yields alumina, used to create aluminum metal and abrasives.
• Abrasives are substances used for polishing/cleaning hard surfaces.
• Major Bauxite mining sites include:
  • Linden
  • Kwakwani on the Berbice River
  • Aroaima in the Administrative Region 10

Petroleum

• Petroleum, or crude oil, is a naturally occurring liquid found beneath the earth's surface.
• Petroleum is refined into fuel and created by the decomposition of organic matter.
• Petroleum powers vehicles/heating units/machines, and is converted into plastics.

Sand and Stone

• Guyana has large quantities of sand and stone that are mostly used for construction buildings and roads.
• White sand can be transformed into glass, a potential Guyana still needs to explore.

Semi-Precious Minerals in Guyana

• Semi-precious minerals include:
  • Amethyst
  • Jasper
  • Rose Quartz
  • Topaz
  • Soapstone
• Semi-precious minerals are abundant in Guyana's mountainous areas.
• These minerals can be made into affordable decorative pieces and jewelry.

Economic Importance of Minerals for Guyana

• Minerals are valuable to Guyana
• Gold is a major foreign exchange earner.
• Minerals are used as a system of exchange and trade.
• Mining and quarrying sectors contributed 8.4% of Guyana's annual GDP in 2020 per the Ministry of Finance Budget.

Potential research questions:

• What are some potential negative effects of mining?
• Suggest two ways countries can utilize their resources without harming the land. Justify why anyone would be successful.
• Where are the major oil blocks located?

Physical Health Practices

• Personal Cleanliness: Helps prevent illness.
• Frequent Brushing of Teeth: Protects against cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
• Having a Daily Bath: Keeps the body clean and prevents infections.
• Regular Exercise: Strengthens the body, improves fitness, and prevents diseases.
• Healthy Eating: Proper nutrition supports energy, growth, and immune function.

Mental Health Practices

• Relaxation: Reduces stress and helps the mind stay calm.
• Rest: Gives your brain time to recharge and boosts concentration.
• Sleep: Essential for memory, focus, and emotional well-being.
• Meditation: Helps with mindfulness and reduces anxiety.
• Journaling: Writing down thoughts can relieve stress and improve mental clarity.

Benefits of Good Health Practices

• Physical health practices help prevent diseases and keep your body strong.
• Mental health practices improve emotional well-being, help manage stress, and improve focus.
• Both physical and mental health are equally important for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Consequences of Failing to Practice Healthy Habits

• Physical Health consequences:
  • Increased risk of illnesses (colds, heart disease, diabetes)
  • Poor hygiene leading to infections
  • Lack of energy and physical fitness
• Mental Health consequences:
  • Increased stress, anxiety, and depression
  • Difficulty focusing and managing emotions
  • Lower self-esteem and burnout

Incorporation of Health Practices

• Start small:
  • Brushing teeth twice a day
  • Getting enough sleep
  • Exercising regularly.
• Create a routine:
  • Make time for relaxation and rest.
  • Plan meals with healthy foods.
• Stay Consistent:
  • Healthy habits are most effective when practiced daily.

Key Takeaway:

• Both physical and mental health are essential for overall well-being.
• Make small changes today and build habits that will last a lifetime.
• Health is an investment in the future.

Weather Definition

• Weather refers to short-term (24 hours) atmospheric conditions, including temperature, humidity, and wind speed.

Climate Definition

• Climate refers to the average atmospheric conditions over a long period (30 years)
• Examples of climates include:
  • Tropical (hot and wet)
  • Dry (north and south of tropical zone)
  • Temperate and Continental
  • Desert (hot and dry)
  • Polar (cold and icy)

Seven Elements of Weather

• Cloud Cover: The amount of sky covered by clouds.
• Atmospheric Pressure: The weight of air pressing down on the Earth.
• Humidity: The amount of moisture in the air.
• Rainfall: The amount of precipitation over a period.
• Sunshine: The duration and intensity of sunlight.
• Winds: The movement of air in the atmosphere.
• Temperature: How hot or cold the air is.

Weather Instruments

• Wind Vane: Measures wind direction.
• Anemometer: Measures wind speed.
• Rain Gauge: Measures rainfall.
• Barometer: Measures atmospheric pressure.
• Hygrometer: Measures humidity.
• Thermometer: Measures temperature.
• Sunshine Recorder: Measures sunshine.
• Campbell-Stokes Sunshine Recorder: Utilizes a glass sphere to concentrate the Sun's rays onto calibrated paper; the resulting burns register the time and duration of sunshine.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

• Infections spread through sexual contact caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
• Some STIs have symptoms, while others are asymptomatic.
• Early detection and treatment are crucial.

Common Types of STIs

• Bacterial Infections:
  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Syphilis
• Viral Infections:
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Herpes
  • HPV
  • Hepatitis B
• Parasitic Infections:
  • Trichomoniasis
  • Pubic Lice
• STIs can be bacterial, viral, or parasitic
• Some STIs can be cured, while others can only be managed.

Symptoms of STIs

• Pain during urination
• Unusual discharge from genitals
• Sores, warts, or rashes
• Itching, redness, or irritation
• Flu-like symptoms (fever, swollen lymph nodes)
• Some STIs may be asymptomatic but still transmissible.

Prevention of STIs

• Practice safe sex (use condoms/dental dams)
• Get regular STI screenings
• Maintain open communication with partners
• Get vaccinated (HPV, Hepatitis B)
• Avoid sharing needles or unsterilized equipment

Treatment for STIs

• Bacterial STIs (e.g., Chlamydia, Gonorrhea) are treated with antibiotics.
• Viral STIs (e.g., HIV, Herpes) are managed with antiviral medications.
• Early detection improves treatment success.
• Always complete prescribed treatments to prevent resistance.

Importance of STI Testing

• Many STIs do not show symptoms
• Early diagnosis prevents complications
• Testing helps prevent spreading infections to others
• Testing is often confidential and accessible.

Conclusion

• STIs are common but preventable
• Safe practices and regular testing reduce risks
• Seeking treatment early improves health outcomes
• Education and awareness are key to prevention

Effects of weather

• Weather refers to atmospheric conditions over a short period.
• Climate refers to the average weather conditions over a long period.
• Weather affects daily life through health, transportation, and economy.
• Severe weather events can disrupt daily activities such as flooding, storms, droughts.
• Weather can influence birth rates and health issues in cold weather.
• Transportation, agriculture, and tourism are impacted by weather changes.

Implications of weather

• Floods and droughts can destroy crops, leading to food shortages and higher prices.
• Tourism is affected by seasonal weather conditions (rainy vs. dry season).
• Businesses suffer during hurricanes and extreme weather events.

Health Implication of weather

• Heatwaves can cause dehydration and heat strokes.
• Cold weather increases the risk of respiratory diseases e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis.
• Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue increase in warm, wet climates.

Guyana Weather

• Guyana lies in the Equatorial Trough (ET) Zone.
• Guyana's weather and climate depends on seasonal shifts of the trough and the Inter-Tropica Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
• Guyana has a wet tropical climate with warm temperatures and abundant rainfall, without extremes of temperature.

Aspects to consider

• Guyana has a tropical climate with two wet seasons specifically:
  • May-July
  • November-January
• Heavy rainfall leads to flooding, impacting homes and agriculture
• High temperatures and humidity contribute to health issues like heat exhaustion.
• Heavy rains cause rivers to overflow, damaging crops and infrastructure.
• Guyana experienced worst floods in 2005, affecting thousands.
• Government works on flood control measures to reduce damage.
• Weather plays role in daily lives, economy and health.
• Flooding is concern
• Understanding weather patterns is important.