River-mining licencing halt is temporary – Min Persaud

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Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud says the halt in the processing of new river-mining claims is a temporary one during which time a joint working group will be reviewing the guidelines. Read more

Authorities to make another pass on illegal miners

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Guyanese authorities say they will be expanding an operation against illegal mining in the hinterlands with broader involvement of the security forces. This is according to Natural Resources and the Environment Minister Robert Persaud who on Thursday at a news briefing noted the outcome of Operation El Dorado last month in which some 90 Brazilians were held and equipment belonging to Guyanese was seized. Read more

Brazil, Guyana hope to counter illegal mining

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In the wake of the arrest of 89 Brazilian miners for a number of alleged offences, Brazil and Guyana are exploring how to work closely to regularize the presence of nationals of the Portuguese-speaking nation. The decision was taken by top Guyana government officials and a high-level team following the rounding up of the Brazilians during ‘Operation El Dorado’ that is combating widespread illegal mining. Read more

Major revamp for GGMC

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The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) will soon see a change in its organisational pattern as a new commissioner will be appointed within a few weeks. Minister of the newly established Natural Resources and the Environment Ministry Robert Persaud on Thursday met with the members of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) at the association’s final meeting of the year and made this announcement. Read more

GGDMA and GGMC to promote environmentally friendly practices

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Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) would be collaborating with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) in establishing a formal training programme focusing on environmentally friendly mining practices and appropriate technology to explore mines and recover gold and other precious minerals. This disclosure was made by the President of GGDMA, Patrick Harding, while delivering remarks at the recent launching of the Guyana Women Miners Association. The function was held at the Sea Breeze Hotel, Kitty. Read more

Miners look to expand operations with high gold prices

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Small and medium-scale gold miners will meet in the coming week to discuss ways of expanding their operations as the price for gold continues to climb. This and other issues are on the agenda for Monday’s Annual General Meeting of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA). The association’s President, Patrick Harding, said that the meeting would be attended by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Robert Persaud. Read more

Govt. announces land, special incentives for small miners

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Government yesterday announced plans to set aside significant tracts of land for small gold-miners, assuring that the industry remains a top priority for the administration, allaying fears of widespread changes. Speaking to members of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) yesterday, President Bharrat Jagdeo made it clear that while not much change will be coming to the industry, there will be no tolerance for any “wild west” situations. As a matter of fact, the Head of State was not against the possibility of opening the entire country to mining, once it is done in a controlled and sustainable manner. Read more

Guyana gold miners association welcomes surge in price amid US downgrade

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President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) Patrick Harding welcomed today’s announcement of an unprecedented hike in gold prices, saying that this bodes well for large and small gold miners alike. Analysts are reporting that with the markets in turmoil over the downgrading of the US debt rating and protracted problems in Europe, the price of gold soared above the US$1,700 mark on Today, hitting parity with platinum for the first time since 2008. Read more

GGDMA elects Executive Committee

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The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), the local body representing small, medium and large scale miners, on Thursday, last, elected members to its Executive Committee of management who will lead the Association over the next two years. Read more

Miners fight the proposed imposition of a six month moratorium on mining

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In January 2010 the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), Guyana’s largest foreign exchange earner, faced one of the largest challenges since the establishment of the GGDMA. The proposed imposition of a six month moratorium on mining. The lack of public support almost meant the passing of this proposed regulation. The industry needed to galvanise public support and demonstrate that it was not prepared to accept the new regulations as proposed. Read more