Minister Persaud concerned over percentage of undeclared gold
MINISTER of Natural Resources and the Environment, Mr. Robert Persaud has expressed concern over the percentage of gold not declared, despite the fact that production, this year, has exceeded the set targets. He said: “As of yesterday, gold production was 50,000 ounces. It surpassed the target by a significant amount…these are ounces declared not necessarily production. We still have a sizeable percentage.”
Minister Persaud made the pronouncement at a press briefing yesterday, in the boardroom of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, Office of the President, where he emphasised the importance of the sustainable use of the country’s natural resources.
According to him, the situation has also caught the attention of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA).
He said another issue which is currently being addressed by the relevant stakeholders is, the adaptation of more sustainable methods of extraction by miners.
“This issue is currently under discussion. There has to be a period of transition. We also have to work in terms of looking at ways to facilitate the transition from using traditional techniques (use of mercury). Some may argue that they are not the best in terms of recovery that is an issue within the industry…the issue of mercury is certainly a matter which will require the engagement of the local and international community,” Persaud pointed out.
He explained that the adaptation of new techniques and technologies may bring with it a high capital cost and assured that discussions are ongoing in this regard.
The gold production target set for 2011 was 320,000 ounces and that was surpassed in November.
Minister Persaud noted that the high incidence of crime in the mining areas of the country is also a cause for concern to all stakeholders.
He said: “It is a concern to the industry. Gold attracts good and bad and provides a high incentive for the raiding of camps. We have seen the loss of lives in this regard.”
Persaud acknowledged the previous collaborative efforts of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Clement Rohee and the law enforcement agencies, in designing a coordinated approach to the problem.
Alluding to possible methods of addressing the upsurge in crime in those areas, Persaud said: “If you look at the reach of our security forces and if you look where the mining is taking place, it is sometimes far away from police outposts… we also have to talk to the Guyana Police Force to, perhaps, establish temporary as well as permanent posts. Certainly, mining and the mining activity have gone outside of the zones of traditional police presence. This will have to be reorganised and reoriented and look at how to strengthen police presence around the mining areas.”