Hike in gold board processing fee on hold

The planned hike by the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) in its processing fee per ounce of gold has been put on hold, pending a meeting between the board, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

GGDMA Administra-tive Manager Avalon Jagnandan told Stabroek News yesterday that after a preliminary meeting with the GGB, a decision was made to put the hike on hold until a meeting between the two entities and the ministry. The meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday.

“We are not in agreement for an increase because it would be burdensome on the miners so we are not in. We believe that if the Gold Board has increased their operations, then they should seek subventions rather than further burdening the miners,” Jagnandan said, while pointing out that even though the industry is “doing well,” there are