Dear Editor,
The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) would like to respond to the Stabroek Business Editorial on August 10, 2012 titled `Warring factions and the future of the gold mining industry’.
Consequently, the Commission would like highlight the functions of the Commission and its role in ensuring a sustainable and profitable mining sector and to clarify reports by sections of the media regarding the management of the sector.
The Mining Industry is experiencing a time of growth and activity, and it is acknowledged that much of this is contributed by the Small and Medium Scale Gold Mining Sector. Undoubtedly, important organizations in the Mining Industry are the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, giving direction on mining policy, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the regulatory agency overseen by a Board of Directors that also articulates mining policy, and representing the mine operators, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA). The GGDMA has in recent times articulated areas of dissatisfaction with aspects of government policy with respect to mining and the environment as well as with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and in their perception, the relationship between the Ministry and the GGMC, and the level of consultation between the Ministry and the GGDMA. The GGDMA requested a meeting with His Excellency President Ramotar and this meeting was held, with the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment in attendance.
The results of the meeting spelt out in detail arrangements for frequent meetings between the GGDMA and the GGMC and the GGDMA and the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment. These meetings will provide opportunity to deepen consultations between the GGDMA, the Ministry and the GGMC and also to deal directly with issues of concern to the GGDMA and miners, such as how GGMC is supporting the sector in developing alternative gold recovery systems that will eliminate mercury use; issues of general concern; areas of legislation and policy, including the introduction of new Regulations to address issues that have been highlighted; and areas of responsibility in mining such as environmental management requirements and practices.
The engagement between the GGDMA and GGMC will continue in the field where GGMC’s field officers will share information and practical knowledge with miners on a wide range of issues from new and improved gold recovery methods, GGMC’s programme of research to test and document
improved gold recovery systems in the local environment, environmental management and reclamation measures and also legal requirements for miners at the Medium and Small Scales. Supported by the Ministry and the Board, the GGMC is continuing its programme of institutional strengthening, focusing on building practical technical skills in geology, exploration, mineral processing for enhanced mineral recovery, petroleum geology and development, mine site reclamation with community development support, as well as in-field regulation of mines and compliance enforcement monitoring and management. Additionally, GGMC is employing an additional thirty field staff to augment its present capacity for field work, regulation and field support of miners. Strengthening of technical and regulatory capacity will not only help in the promotion of mineral development in Large, Medium and Small Scale mining, but will also contribute directly to all initiatives and engagement between the GGMC and the Small and Medium Scale mining sector.
It is expected that this programme of enhanced dialogue, consultation and collaboration between the GGDMA, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment and the GGMC emanating from the GGDMA’s meeting with His Excellency President Ramotar will bring better understanding, improved relationships and ongoing feedback between these agencies, that there will be a working through of issues and implementation of articulated programmes, to the benefit of the miners, stakeholders, the environment, the industry, and each agency.
Yours faithfully,
K. Livan
Commissioner
GGMC
