MEMBERS of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) welcome large-scale gold mining in Guyana, GGDMA president, Patrick Harding, has said at launching of Mining Week 2014, currently ongoing.

Harding said the GGDMA was specifically welcoming Troy Resources Inc and the Guyana Goldfield Inc, both large-scale mining companies which are finalising preparations for the production of gold by mid-next year.

The GGDMA would seek to develop mutually beneficial relationships with these bigger operators, Harding said, with the hope that those bigger operators would share knowledge with locals on such issues as effective exploration techniques and better methods for recovery of artisanally-mined gold.

Speaking of the two companies, Harding said: “We welcome you, and urge you to work along with small- and medium-scale miners. If you can show us ways to improve recovery; show us ways to do exploration; we will be thankful for your participation.”

He said that those large scale gold mining operations starting production in 2015 would solidify the fact that mining is the backbone of Guyana’s economy.

He had earlier disclosed that, this year, the artisanal gold mining industry is battling for survival. He charged that the primary reasons were: The steep drop in gold prices, whilst costs of production remains high; marginal ore-bearing lands; inefficient ore recovery technology; poor maintenances /repairs to hinterland roads and airstrips; non-financing for the mining industry from commercial banks; closure of the branches of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB); poor or minimal security/police outreach for mining district; and understaffing and perceived inefficiencies of the Mines Division of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

He, however, noted that opening up of more mineral lands to small- and medium-scale miners through the recent holding of auctions and lotteries would give the miners the opportunity of owning lands.

He also noted that the GGMC is aware of the poor conditions of the hinterland roads, and is in the process of awarding contracts for the repairs and maintenance of some of the major roadways. This will alleviate high transportation costs for fuel, ration and supplies to mining locations.

On the positive side, the GGDMA and the GGMC are currently reviewing the sluice box recovery system to demonstrate improving the operation and recovery of the sluice box. Research is being done on other ore recovery technologies.

Harding said the GGDMA will continue to work with all the relevant agencies to ensure continued development of the gold and diamond mining industry.

He said: “GGDMA urges all miners to mine in a responsible manner; to protect your environment; to provide for the safety and sanitation of your workers; to respect the mining and environmental regulations, and to sell your production of gold and diamonds to the GGB and/or licensed dealers.”
Written By Clifford Stanley