Government signals zero tolerance for illegal mining

– says numerous measures rolled out to support legitimate miners

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has signaled that it has no tolerance for illegal miners, who face the risk of being prosecuted by the state, noting that there are more than enough existing policy measures for miners to make a legitimate, honest living.
The Ministry of Natural Resources in a statement on Wednesday, warned illegal miners to desist from such activities and follow the process to get their claims legitimised.
The Natural Resources Ministry reiterated that illegal mining activities will not be tolerated and is calling on all miners to follow the prescribed process to legitimise their operations.”
“Those who are engaging in such activities should desist, or risk being prosecuted by the state. The MNR remains eager to foster greater collaboration with small and medium-scale miners to ensure the sector remains a viable one,” the Ministry said.
In the statement, the Ministry outlined the measures to help miners, implemented between 2020 to 2024. They include the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on machinery and equipment, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), new haulers and trucks, hinterland travel, and lubricating oils.
They also spoke of efforts to improve the ease of doing business for miners, as well as the removal of the excise tax on fuel and the removal of the 10 per cent tributors tax. Another way the government has supported miners is by selling of medium-scale properties through lotteries.
“Notwithstanding, miners are still able to acquire mineral properties through the formal application process at the GGMC. Just recently, in April, the MNR/GGMC hosted a lottery in Bartica which saw the distribution of 150 mining blocks.”
“And again, in June, 200 Blocks were distributed in Mahdia. Back in 2021, approximately 200 blocks were awarded through a similar lottery process and 65 blocks through an auction. Also in 2021, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s (GGMC) Mines Division was tasked with a Plan of Action to reduce the backlogs of claim verification and processing of mining claims.”
The Ministry noted that at the time, there were over 15,000 unverified mining claims which resulted in persons having to wait extended periods for their claim licences.  Since then, they said, the division has prioritised this exercise and there has been a 70% reduction in unverified mining claims.
“The recent withdrawal by the large-scale operator in Karouni saw action by the Ali-led administration which resulted in the re-allocation of at least 100 mineral properties to small-scale miners who were able to access approximately 1,500 acres of land.”
“Moreover, this PPP/C Government was able to restart mining in the Marudi area in Region Nine upon assuming office which benefited several small-scale miners and indigenous communities. These miners and communities were neglected by the former administration with the closure of mining at Marudi.”
Another achievement cited by the Ministry, was the GGMC granting a Special Mining Permit (SMP) encompassing 1,000 acres to the Rupununi Miners Association Co-operative Society Limited, which 40 small-scale miners are representing. There are also the government’s plans to conduct mineral mapping exercises.
“To reduce investment costs and enable more targeted investments from both small and medium-scale miners, the government will undertake a Mineral Mapping exercise. The government will initiate this multi-year project which will contribute to low-impact mining and improve planning in mineral areas which are objectives outlined in the LCDS 2030.”
“The GGMC continues to re-focus its attention on hinterland road development through its Special Projects Unit. This ensures that miners continue to have access to their concessions with their equipment and supplies, thus, reducing operational costs. In total, this approach has maintained at least 1200 km of hinterland road in 2024 with an approximate cost of GY$2.5 billion on an annual basis,” the Ministry said.