Mining blocks available for syndicates

-GGMC tells minister

Mining blocks are available for distribution to syndicates which were recently established after miners complained about difficulties in acquiring lands. A release yesterday from the Ministry of Natural Resources said that its Minister, Raphael Trotman, recently met with Senior Management of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to receive updates and to push ahead with plans for the allocation of mining lands to Syndicates.

During the meeting, the release said that GGMC officials stated that mining blocks are available for distribution through the mining syndicates initiative which was introduced as a response to pleas from small miners to have more access to lands for mining. The Minister was also told that plans are in train to process and grant permits for several of the available blocks by September, 2017.

The release said that Trotman emphasized the importance of order and robust systems being put in place to ensure protection of the environment. GGMC officials were also reminded of the government’s policy of ensuring that the lands assigned had a fair chance of mineral recovery. GGMC Commissioner and Officers also said that despite some setbacks, caused mainly by inclement weather, plans to regularise mining in the Marudi Mountain are moving ahead and the agency is working to ensure that the areas which miners will occupy are safe. Trotman thanked GGMC for the update and stressed the importance of ensuring miners are treated with dignity whilst ensuring that the company, Romanex Inc. was given every opportunity to conduct its operations with minimum interruption. The Minister also urged officials to explore options and to find a longer term and sustainable solution to mining in the Rupununi district.