–-miners to get greater access to capital through Development Bank
SMALL-SCALE miners are expected to benefit from expanded access to financing and greater participation in Guyana’s proposed Development Bank, following discussions between President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and a delegation from the Small Miners Association Guyana Inc. (SMAGI).
The delegation, led by SMAGI President David Daniels, met with the Head of State on Friday to discuss issues affecting the mining sector, with a particular focus on financing, land access and continued support for small and medium-scale operators.
Speaking after the meeting, SMAGI director, Adonika Spellen described the engagement as productive, saying the President addressed several of the association’s concerns.
“We had a very positive meeting with the President, and he addressed several of our concerns,” Spellen said.
She noted that one of the association’s key priorities was ensuring that small miners have a voice and stake in the proposed Development Bank.
“We wanted to ensure that miners would have a say or stake in the Development Bank and he [President Ali] has assured us that he’s going to prioritise small miners as it relates to getting access to the grant, so that we could form consortiums to support more livelihoods in the industry,” she explained.
Joseph Daniels, a member of the association and a life-long participant in the mining sector, said the organisation remains committed to helping miners achieve long-term success.
Originally from Bartica, Daniels said mining has been part of his family’s livelihood for generations.
“Our organisation focuses on helping miners to achieve their dreams, whether that’s gaining access to mining lands, clarifying policies or supporting lawful mining practices. These are the initiatives that drive our organisation and help miners meet their goals,” he said.
Another member of the association credited the government with creating greater opportunities for small miners, particularly through improved access to mining lands.
He said support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the current administration has enabled more miners to own claims and share opportunities with others entering the industry.
Miner Derrick Kissoon, who has spent 15 years in the sector, also welcomed the outcome of the discussions.
“I see the outlook as better. We received a lot of positive feedback. The President is on board with small miners, and I think the future looks good,” Kissoon said.
Meanwhile, SMAGI President David Daniels said the association’s objective is to ensure small and medium-scale miners continue progressing and building sustainable livelihoods.
“We want the small and medium-scale miners to keep transitioning upwards so that they continue creating generational wealth for their families, while developing their communities at the same time,” he said.
Daniels noted that President Ali has consistently demonstrated a willingness to engage with the association and respond to issues affecting miners.
“Every time we continue to meet President Ali, we continue to see more incentives for the mining industry,” he said.
Among the measures highlighted were duty-free concessions on mining machinery, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), fuel and parts, which he said have helped reduce operating costs for miners.
Daniels also emphasised the association’s desire to ensure the benefits of the sector are more widely shared.
“We want the industry to be one that is not exclusive to some but is for all miners. Over the years, we saw the industry was somewhat exclusive, but with our constant engagement with President Ali, we have seen it opening up so that more benefits trickle down to every single miner,” he said.
The meeting formed part of the government’s ongoing engagement with stakeholders in Guyana’s mining sector as it seeks to strengthen the industry’s contribution to economic growth, while expanding opportunities for small and medium-scale operators.
