Small-scale miners given green light to operate in Marudi

After years of being barred from mining in the Rupununi region, small-scale miners have been given legal rights for mining operations in the Marudi area.
Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat recently witnessed the signing of the agreement that will allow the resumption of mining operations by small-scale operators and exploration activities by the property holders within the Marudi area in the Rupununi.

The agreement was signed on Wednesday at the Natural Resources Ministry between the Rupununi Miners Association, Aurous and Romanex and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) as the regulator.
Minister Bharrat, who gave brief remarks, highlighted the vital role mining plays within the Rupununi and how it contributes to the development of local communities. He urged all stakeholders to undertake mining and exploration activities in keeping with the Mining Act and Regulations.
In a statement on Thursday, the Executive members of the Rupununi Miners Association Co-operative Society said that mining remains fundamental to almost every aspect of the economy, and will aid in local development.
“The Executive members of the Rupununi Miners Association Co-operative Society extends sincere gratitude to the Government of Guyana for giving us their full support which has made this possible. We plan to fully adhere to the mining regulations of the country and to work in collaboration with all stakeholders for the success of this venture,” the statement read.
The Marudi Mining Licence (ML) /1-2009 had been in regulatory suspension since October 16, 2014, for issues of non-compliance. Thereafter, Arctex, et al, entered into an agreement to purchase the shares of Romanex on March 13, 2015. Arctex became the de facto owner of the mining licence subject to technical and financial scrutiny.
Following a technical presentation by Arctex/Romanex on April 10, 2015, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) presented Arctex/Romanex with an MoU in July 2015.