OVER 100 blocks of mining lands were up for grabs when the Ministry of Natural Resources, through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, (GGMC) held a mining lottery on Wednesday at Mahdia.

The mining lottery was held at the Mahdia Townhall. Previous mining lotteries were held in Georgetown, Port Kaituma and Bartica.

Speaking with the Department of Public Information, (DPI), Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman said though the task in identifying mining lands was challenging, he applauded the GGMC for working to ensure today’s event was possible. “We were here last in August and the residents were very boisterous about the need for land; we talking about people who are accused of raiding other people’s lands and who were crying out literally for me to hear them that they needed some lands. So I went back to town and pressed GGMC to find some lands; of course, lands are not easily and readily available.” Minister Trotman relayed.

However, after some effort, the minister said he was happy government was able to locate 100 mining blocks. “Just looking at the faces of the residents today, they were quite happy and quite elated that they have their own. We wish that we could give as many as need them, we just can’t but I am happy at least we were able to brighten up the lives of 100 residents of Mahdia,” he stated.

The lotteries, Minister Trotman reiterated, will allow small miners who have applied for mining lands to now have a chance to access available mining properties. He encouraged those who acquired a mining land to utilize it in a safe, sustainable and responsible manner.