President of SMAGI discusses expanding opportunities for small-scale mining sector 

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday met with a delegation from the Small Miners Association Guyana Inc (SMAGI) to discuss measures aimed at strengthening Guyana’s small-scale mining sector. The delegation was led by SMAGI President David Daniels.
In a statement on his social media page, President Ali said the discussions focused on improving access to profitable mining lands, expanding support for small- and medium-scale miners, strengthening collaboration between the Government and the sector, and exploring new opportunities for growth and development.
Speaking after the meeting, SMAGI member Joseph Daniels said the association continues to work towards helping miners achieve their goals by advocating for greater access to mining lands, policy clarification, and lawful mining practices.
He noted that the association has one of the largest memberships within the mining sector and is committed to supporting miners in building sustainable livelihoods.
Daniels also pointed to improvements in support for small miners in recent years, particularly through the Ministry of Natural Resources.
According to him, more small miners are now able to access mining lands than in the past, allowing those who have secured lands to share opportunities with others who are still seeking access.
Miner Derek Kitsun, who has more than 15 years of experience in the industry, said he is optimistic about the sector’s future.
He said the engagement between the Government and small miners has generated positive feedback and expressed confidence that continued collaboration will benefit the industry.
Meanwhile, SMAGI President David Daniels said the association wants to see small- and medium-scale miners continue to expand their operations while creating long-term economic opportunities for their families and communities.
He said President Ali was receptive to the issues raised during the meeting and noted that continued engagement has resulted in incentives for miners.
Among the measures he highlighted were duty-free concessions on machinery, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), fuel, and parts.
Daniels also said the association wants to ensure that the mining industry remains accessible to all miners rather than benefiting only a select few.
He added that ongoing discussions with the Government have contributed to access to opportunities and benefits across the sector, allowing more miners to participate in and benefit from the industry’s growth.