THE one-month hold placed on the processing of new applications for river mining claims is designed to send a strong signal of the commitment by the Guyana Geology & Mines Commission (GGMC), its Board and the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, to ensure that river mining operations are conducted in accordance with the applicable mining regulations The review of environmental concerns resulting from river mining is a necessary regulatory function and is in keeping with sectoral obligations, respect for people, and for the responsible use and management of the country’s resources, including its biodiversity and ecosystems.
The GGMC is a regulatory and enforcement agency, but the Commission is challenged to visit around the clock, the numerous river-dredging operations and it has to take strong action if its warnings are treated in a dismissive manner by recalcitrants in the mining community.
On several occasions, the concerns with regard to river mining were highlighted by the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Mr. Robert Persaud,  during his engagements with stakeholders at Bartica, Mahdia and with the Brazilian Miners, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association and others.
Additionally, the GGMC – in a statement yesterday – said it had cause to issue a number of Cease Work Orders placed on river-dredge operators who were directly responsible for significantly high levels of turbidity in specific rivers and tributaries.
Miners therefore need to adopt a disciplined approach and adhere to the regulations. The GGMC said it is committed to working with all stakeholders in moving the mining sector forward within a framework of conformity with the relevant regulations.