The authorities will undertake special initiatives in the mining sector to advance small miners’ access to properties.
This is according to Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud, who addressed a gathering at the National Park tarmac yesterday at the opening ceremony of a national mining fair organised by the ministry and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). The event kick-started activities to mark mining week.
According to Persaud, gold mining remains important to the sector and it provides an opportunity for all Guyanese to maximize.
He said however, that there should be a level of equity as the sector develops adding that access to mineral properties by the ordinary Guyanese needed to be enhanced. He said, ”when I go around the country, young people with limited means and women too would say …what about us getting involved in mining“.
He said that a special arrangement is being pondered and explored whereby small miners can have access to mineral properties.” We are looking at how we can get more Guyanese involved in mining …ensuring that those who may not have access can benefit …. to give them that opportunity so that they, too, can see and feel the benefits of the mining sector”.
He said that the move will enhance the social and economic well-being of the country and according to him, it is part of an umbrella initiative of working with all stakeholders to have the best type of returns and benefits for the sector. According to Persaud, the mining landscape is changing, and he noted that there is tremendous growth in the sector. He said that in addition to gold and diamond mining there is also interest in other mineral properties, namely bauxite, manganese as well as exploration for uranium. He added that prospecting licences for iron ore and a range of other minerals were also issued.
Statistically, Persaud noted that the mining sector has contributed greatly over the years to the country’s economy and with a gold production target of 400,000 tonnes set this year, he said that the sector is the driver or catalyst for the expanded prosperity of the country.
He said that last year, the gold industry provided 58% of the total export earnings and also accounted for 11% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He noted that foreign and local investment in the industry contributed to some $20B per annum being garnered as more than 2500 persons benefit directly and indirectly from the industry.
He said that there are several issues which are being addressed and which he noted will require collective and consultative engagement from all stakeholders. This includes the issue of Amerindian land demarcation and titling, and according to Persaud the issue will be addressed in an interactive manner.
He also raised the matter of security which he noted would require the security forces having a greater presence in the mining districts. He said it will also require the community leaders to remove all activities which do not necessarily conform to the law. He said too that discussions are on-going with the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) on its imminent move to set up a branch at Port Kaituma in the North West District. He said once the bank sets up its branch there, the Guyana Gold Board will use the banking facility as a branch and according to him a similar facility will established at Charity on the Essequibo Coast.
Earlier, GGMC Commissioner, Karen Livan told the gathering that the body has made significant strides over the years to enhance the sector. She said that the mining regulator has been working with the miners to increase awareness of changes in the industry. She said that as d-day approaches as regards the use of mercury in mining, GGMC is prepared to act and has been undertaking its mandate to assist miners in establishing other methods.
President of the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO), Simona Broomes and President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association, Patrick Harding also addressed the audience, both called on the government to addressed the concerns of their members.
Mining week is being held under the theme, ”Investment and technological growth for sustainability in the mining sector“. The exhibition at the National Park will continue over the next few days as the business community will have an opportunity to showcase their products available to the mining sector.
Mining week was preceded by the shock resignation on Saturday of Major General (rtd) Joe Singh as Chairman of the GGMC after miners had expressed a vote of no-confidence in him.
