AS we engage in observing Mining Week, there have been some positive and

optimistic developments which could help to propel further growth, development and buoyancy of the mining sector which it has been enjoying in recent years.
The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) is projecting an historic gold production target of 500,000 ounces for 2013 and it is President Donald Ramotar’s hope that the benchmark is reached.
The mining sector has not been only contributing to the national economy, but it has become a major source of employment and the development of business and commerce linked to the sector.
A report presented by Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, revealed that the quantity of gold declared for the first half of this year increased by 23.23 percent over the quantity declared last year.
Gold maintained its reputation as the biggest producer in the mining sector for last year, with a production value in excess of $137B and accounting for 78.2 percent of total value of mining output.
In addition, Persaud has announced that a wide range of measures, aimed at further enhancing the sector, is under consideration and from all accounts it is very likely that that will be implemented soon.
“We (GGDMA) have been asking for a few concessions down the line, and only last week we met with our President Mr. Ramotar,  and we had a very healthy meeting and we are hoping for good results… but this year we are hoping to top production of 500,000 ounces of gold which has never been achieved in Guyana in the history of gold,” Charles Da Silva Vice-President of the GGDMA, noted.
A study to determine the feasibility of tax waivers on new categories of vehicles, the payment of gold sales in foreign currency, which has been brought to the attention of the President, and a proposal by the GGDMA to reduce the cost for imported fuel are all issues which Persaud said are being examined.
The mining sector was an employer of approximately 17,000 last year; and when added to direct and indirect occupations, the aggregate would be in excess of 20,000,
However, there are some issues in the mining sector which need greater attention and they include security and environmental concerns.
On the issue of security, it is good to learn that the  Natural Resources Ministry and the GGMC will work with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to better facilitate the security needs of the miners in the various mining districts. Areas to be addressed include firearm licences for miners; establishment of security checkpoints at critical ‘choke points’ within the mining districts, and increased police presence in mining communities.
With respect to environmental concerns, the ministry is moving in the direction of  the imminent phasing out of the use of mercury in gold mining  and government, through the ministry,  has been working  and  continues to work  on a range of initiatives to support the transition to mercury-free technology in the extraction of gold.
The focus, Persaud said, is on support for technology transfer, technical support, training through Guyana’s recently launched Mining School, and access to international partnerships. The GGMC has been mandated to make this a priority area of work.
Persaud stressed that mining is a complex sector and cautioned: “We must ensure that the costs, benefits and risks of mining are well understood by all stakeholders and that all accept their respective roles and responsibilities.”
However, President Ramotar has made the very trite observation that in order to develop the manufacturing capacity within the sector, cheap and renewable energy such as hydropower is essential. And so in this regard it is most unfortunate that the Amaila hydro project has been stalled by the Opposition.
Nevertheless, the mining sector has been making an increasingly positive impact on our national economy and is poised to make an even greater impact in the future once it continues to be managed in a transparent and sustainable fashion, which would  help reduce poverty, and play its role as a principal catalyst for growth of the economy.a