150 mining blocks awarded to medium-scale miners in Region 7
The Natural Resources Ministry in collaboration with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) on Friday last awarded 150 mining blocks to medium-scale miners in several mining districts in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
Minister Bharrat during the drawing of the lottery on Friday
The lottery was held at the Bartica Community Centre which saw a total of 608 applications being received for mining concessions in several areas including Potaro, Mazaruni, Cuyuni and Northwest.
Of the 608 applications received for the lottery, 150 were awarded mining blocks across the above-mentioned mining districts. The ministry along with the stakeholders, regulators and government continue to work to pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future for the mining sector and all Guyanese.
During the lottery, subject minister, Vickram Bharrat stated that the initiative was the second such allocation since 2021, and it underscored the government’s commitment to the continued development of the mining sector.
The provision of access to medium-scale mining properties through the lottery was timely given the continued representation of small miners without access to mining lands.
Staff of the GGMC dealing with applications at the event
A similar exercise was conducted with the allocation of mining areas within Karouni, formerly Troy Resources, where approximately 82 small miners were allocated mining properties, with some commencing work and currently producing.
Notwithstanding this lottery, a commitment was given by the minister for another such exercise to be held within the coming months, where additional mining areas will be allocated to Guyanese miners.
Participants at the lottery were assured that all efforts were made by the GGMC to ensure that the mining blocks being allocated had mineral potential, access to water, and the required infrastructure to promote mining activities.
The Ministry and the GGMC express sincere appreciation to all stakeholders, including the Guyana Gold & Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA), Guyana Women Miners’ Organization (GWMO), and the Small Miners’ Association (SMA), for their steadfast support, cooperation and collaboration, which contributed to the event’s success.
