The Special Land Use Committee (SLUC) is still considering the draft report on new mining rules and the process could likely be completed in the next three weeks, head of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), Frederick McWilfred said.
He said they are trying to capture everything said at the meetings. The committee will consider the report, looking to reach agreement on all the issues, before a final report is sent to President Bharrat Jagdeo and Cabinet. The SLUC was set up to look into mining issues after miners raised concerns that the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) would affect their operations and livelihoods. There were widespread protests by miners over a stipulation by the GGMC that notice had to be given before mining could start.
Recently, McWilfred had said that miners are determined that their concerns should be properly addressed and any attempt to institute harsh and draconian measures in the sector would be “ill advised”. Miners have expressed their uneasiness over the new draft rules which include jail terms, higher fines, and the retention of a notice period prior to mining.
According to new draft regulations being considered by the SLUC, anyone who alters or changes the course of a waterway, creek or river without the permission of the subject minister will be fined $500,000 in the first instance, $1 million in the second instance and $1.5 million plus a year imprisonment in the third instance or thereafter.
Additionally, jail terms are envisioned for those breaking agreements. According to the regulation being considered, anyone working on a claim that does not belong to that person must enter into a legal agreement with the claim holder. Persons are liable to a fine of $100,000 plus a period of imprisonment not exceeding one year if they refuse to fulfil the terms of the agreement.
