THE Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment and its regulatory agencies in the mining sector, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Gold Board yesterday met with the newly elected executives of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) to discuss initiatives and interventions toward the sustainability of the sector.

Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Mr Robert Persaud congratulated re-elected President of the GGDMA Mr. Patrick Harding and other executive members during the meeting to discuss the current challenges and opportunities within the gold mining sector.
During the discussion, several proposals were submitted and discussed for consideration to cushion the falling gold prices. These will be further examined by the Ministry and its relevant agencies. As such, Minister Persaud expressed his commitment to make representation to the government to examine the proposals to support the sector.
Minister Persaud also outlined several ongoing initiatives that are being undertaken by the GGMC to support all miners within the sector in light of the falling gold prices.
Meanwhile, executives of the GGDMA called for more effective monitoring and enforcement of mining regulations toward the sustainability of the sector, whilst at the same time ensuring technological advancement and a sustained infrastructural programme is in place.
Present at the meeting were Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, Mr. Joslyn McKenzie, President of the Guyana Women Miners Organisation Ms. Simona Broomes, Assistant Commissioner of the GGMC Mr. Newell Dennison, General Manager of the Guyana Gold Board Mr., Anantram Balram and other technical officers within the sector.