PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar and Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, yesterday made unprecedented aerial and ground visits of mining operations in and around Puruni and Issano, Region 7.
The visits were part of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s 2012 Mining Week’s activities.
Scores of miners turned out to interface with the president and the minister. In the team’s company were the Deputy Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Rickford Vieira, and President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), Patrick Harding.
Miners raised issues relating to enhanced health care, better security arrangements, sloth in processing work permits for Brazilians, Amerindian land titling/extension (which conflicts with mining), and the need to accelerate the hinterland and mining roads’ rehabilitation programmes. Further, small miners complained that they need land for mining.
President Ramotar reminded the miners about the need for mining to take into account issues of the environment. Assuring the mining community of his government’s support, the president pointed to the roles and responsibility that need upholding so that the national mining sector carries a good image.
He also pointed out that compliance with national and international standards would assure the country in terms of access to markets for gold and other minerals.
The president also undertook to discuss with the Minister of Home Affairs the processing of work permits for the Brazilian community.  Also, issues of better security, establishment of police outposts and intensified health care services to combat malaria in particular, will receive the Head of State’s attention.
Minister Persaud highlighted the importance of mining and the role of interior mining communities which are growing. He emphasised that more land will be made available for mining, but urged greater collaboration and support. He said that the GGMC has been urged to be more efficient and effective in servicing the mining sector.
The minister noted that for the first time in Mining Week, the president and subject minister were visiting the remote mining areas to interact with stakeholders. Persaud said that his ministry will continue to focus on improved collaboration to prepare the sector for new and emerging challenges and opportunities.  He noted that current high gold prices are to the benefit of Guyana, the economy, and miners.
The GGDMA head urged miners to be environmentally-friendly, and support efforts to ensure compliance with national laws as he called for full participation in the ministry’s mining week initiatives.
Mining Week 2012 kicked off with a walk on Sunday, followed by a two-day mining fair and exhibition at the National Park. A seminar is also to be held and the week’s events will culminate with Pork Knocker’s Day on Saturday in Bartica, Region 7.