The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) is warning miners to comply with all applicable laws or face the consequences, reiterating an earlier warning by President Irfaan Ali of enforcement action with respect to mining operations found to be in breach of the mining regulations.
Ali had warned that action would be taken against miners found to be conducting business contrary to the good practice, especially where the accounting for gold production, environmental stewardship and the employment of undocumented persons are concerned.
GGMC Commissioner, Newell Dennison, said the Commission is giving notice, that the mining legislation and associated laws and policies, which govern the mining sector, are applicable to all, throughout the country.
He said this includes all communities and villages, as well as those which reside within Amerindian Titled Lands where such communities are desirous of having mining as an economic venture.
He said that the GGMC is prepared to extend to all stakeholders the necessary guidance towards the application for and issuance of the prescribed documentation, which permits legitimate mining operations with legally registered equipment and the use of the proper recording stationery to provide accountability for gold produced and sold.
‘Thirdly, the GGMC gives notice that all gold recovered from mining is required to be sold to legitimate purchasers such as the Guyana Gold Board; Licenced Gold Dealers and Licenced Traders. Any gold sold otherwise, constitutes an illegal act for which such gold can be detained, charges made and assets seized,’ he warned.
Dennison said that the GGMC is mindful that there continues to be lower than expected declaration for gold even though very favourable prices prevail and the level of mining throughout Guyana’s Mining Districts has been intensified.
‘This is an unsatisfactory situation, especially where the effects of poor environmental stewardship are prevalent despite the significant efforts by the GGMC to engage, educate and enforce as necessary within the sector.’
Dennison said that in keeping with the directions outlined by President Ali on this subject and in coordination within the Ministry of Natural Resources, ‘the GGMC will escalate its collaboration with other related state agencies to arrest the observed lawlessness by some who are exploiting the mineral resources of Guyana without contributing the proper returns that are due to the state and people of Guyana.
‘The GGMC calls upon all throughout the mining sector to be responsible operators or be subject to the full effect of the law.,’ Dennison added.