A NATIONAL Mining Fair on Sunday at the National Park, attracted a wide cross-section of stakeholders within the sector, as the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), seek to highlight the importance of mining. Environment and Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud in delivering remarks at the event, stated that the sector contributes 58 percent of total export earnings.
Approximately 20,000 persons are gainfully employed by the trade and in recognition of this, government has committed its full support to the mining industry.
“With growth, there are always new opportunities and challenges. However, our government is confident that once commitment is there, we can in a collective and inclusive way, overcome the problems,” he said.
Persaud called on the players within the industry not to be daunted by the challenges which may arise from time to time, as the government has made clear its commitment to working together for the betterment of all.
While the sector continues to grow, there is need to ensure that equity in its development is there at all times. In this regard, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the GGMC are working to have an arrangement developed which will see small miners having access to lands.
This move is to ensure that all stakeholders within the industry are more involved. Minister Persaud stated that while there will be differences in approaches, the key is to have a resolution, to determine how the sector advances.
Citing the need for change in the way the trade is administered, he pointed out that a significant level of commitment is necessary and the ministry will be taking additional measures to deal with long-term challenges.
“There is also the issue of Amerindian land titling and demarcation, and the rights and boundaries to lands, but we have looked at mechanisms to have this resolved so that in the long run everyone is satisfied,” he said.
While a commitment was also made to ensure further security within the sector, the minister also made a call for the issue in Linden to be officially resolved, as the players need to move back into production.
As the sector moves to improve on its gold detection, it is aiming to have a production target of 400,000 ounces this year, compared to the 363,000 ounces produced in 2011. To ensure that this is achieved, the ministry is looking to have additional Gold Board offices established in Charity.
“While we will be pursuing this, we will have to continue to engage stakeholders. The issue of non-nationals will also be addressed as we (the ministry), are working to ensure that they are legalised,” he said.
Commissioner of GGMC, Karen Livan reflected on the many achievements within the sector, noting that while there are many, the spotlight should also be placed on mineral production, which is set to expand further in 2012.
While the GGMC has recorded successes in mineral processing over the years, additional mechanisms are being looked at as the international trade in mercury will be banned in 2013.
“Thus far, we at the GGMC have made tremendous strides in introducing reclamation, as the Commission continues to give technical assistance to small and medium-scale miners,” she said.
The GGMC is also working to complete a geo-chemical atlas, while the R&D laboratory at Linden has been refurbished as the Commission works to better its services.
“All of this GGMC is putting together to boost small and medium-scale mining and in so doing the Commission continues to build on the many successes of the sector,” she said.
Meanwhile, Simone Broomes, President of the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO), and Patrick Harding, President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGMA), while speaking on some of the challenges within the sector, committed to working along with government to ensure that development takes place.
According to Broomes, this is necessary as current statistics have shown that the sector employs approximately 700 women miners.
Finding alternatives for mercury, improvements within the recovery system and training for miners were other areas where calls were made for improvements.
The event which was highly attended also saw mining booths and equipment on display, with printed information readily available and samples on display.
Mining celebrations are being held under the theme, “Investment and Technological Growth for Sustainability in the Mining Sector. “