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

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.

Public support was galvanised, the opinion of the mining community was unified and a national meeting was demanded with the President of Guyana. The result, national recognition of the importance of mining, collective support from the mining community and the largest ever meeting held by a private group with the President of Guyana.The proposed regulation was revoked.