Gold mining syndicates can check abuse, landlordism

learnt that up to 500 miners could benefit from the earliest syndicate initiative. Broomes named Bartica, Konwaruk, Mahdia, Kurupung and Issano as some of the mining areas likely to see the blossoming of syndicates.

Many of the miners who will now benefit from the security of being attached to syndicates have led nomadic working lives, operating at one location or another. Broomes said the fact that they have, in many instances, accumulated mining equipment of their own means they can become involved in productive work quickly. “Syndicates allow for a fair opportunity. Most of these miners have had their equipment parked for some time and that has meant loss of income. They are equipped to begin operations now,” Broomes said, adding that part of the process will involve the fast-tracking of their operating licences.

And according to Broomes, syndicates are likely to alter the “ownership patterns” in the mining sector since hundreds of individuals and groups with varying levels of experience in mining have been expressing an interest in syndicates. “It will be a new experience for many of them but one understands that they have to begin somewhere,” Broomes said.

In order to ensure that the new syndicates become familiar with mining procedures and practices, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and its Mining School will be supporting the miners attached to the syndicates with training and orientation. “We understand that this is a new initiative that brings a difference to the sector and what we are determined to ensure is that the changes in the ownership patterns do not compromise compliance in all the phases of mining operations,” the minister said.

Syndicates will be allowed to operate under conditions that include proof that they have been involved in productive mining. “Renewal of licences will be based on evidence that you have been working the land,” she said, adding that syndicates will also benefit from such tax and other concessions as are accessible to the sector as a whole.