Mining blocks are available for distribution through a Mining Syndicates initiative. The initiative was introduced as a response to pleas from small miners to have more access to lands for mining.
This disclosure was made when the Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman, and officers of his Ministry met with with Senior Management of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).
The aim of the meeting was to provide updates and to advance plans for the allocation of mining lands to Syndicates and to regularize mining in the Marudi Mo
untain, Rupununi area.
At that meeting it was revealed that plans are moving apace to process and grant permits for several of the available blocks by September, 2017. Minister Trotman, while noting the progress in making lands available to syndicates, emphasized the importance of order and strong systems being put in place to ensure protection of the environment in keeping with Guyana’s green economy path. GGMC officials were also reminded of the government’s policy of ensuring that the lands awarded had a fair chance of mineral recovery; thus boosting the return on the miners’ investment.
GGMC Commissioner and Officers also shared that despite some setbacks, caused mainly by inclement weather, plans to regularize mining in the Marudi Mountain are moving ahead and the agency is working to ensure that the areas which miners will occupy are safe and habitable.
Minister Trotman thanked GGMC for the update and stressed the importance of ensuring miners are treated with dignity throughout the process; whilst ensuring that the company Romanex Inc. was given every opportunity to conduct its operations with minimum interruption. The Minister also urged officials to work assiduously to explore options and to find a longer term and sustainable solution to mining in the Rupununi district.