THE President and Executives of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) on Monday, March 2, 2026, met with Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana; Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat; Minister of the Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally and senior officials of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).
According to a press statement from the GGDMA, during the engagement President Ali expressed satisfaction with the strong partnership between the government and the GGDMA, and underscored his vision for a more efficient and accountable mining sector.
While reaffirming the government’s support for miners, the President noted concerns regarding miners who fail to meet their royalty and tax obligations, emphasising that compliance is essential for the sector’s sustainability and development.
ADDRESSING LABOUR CHALLENGES
Recognising that labour shortages continue to affect mining operations, the government committed to addressing the issue in collaboration with the association.
The GGDMA will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the labour needs within the sector. Following this assessment, advertisements will be placed in local newspapers to attract workers. Should the needs remain unmet locally, the government will engage an overseas recruitment agency to fill the identified gaps.
President Ali further assured that work permits for foreign workers would be processed within seven days, and each worker would be issued a digital identification card.
DIGITISATION OF THE MINING SECTOR
President Ali informed the association that the government is advancing plans to digitise the mining sector to enhance efficiency, transparency, and inter-agency coordination.
Key components of this initiative include: a digital platform for the renewal and issuance of all mining licences; a dedicated mobile application for miners to upload production records and digitalisation of the compliance system.
DIGITAL ID AND UNIQUE MINING NUMBER
Each miner will be assigned a unique number under the new system. The Digital ID will integrate with banking services and other government systems, creating a streamlined and secure framework for conducting mining-related business.
GGDMA said it fully supports the government’s “zero tolerance” campaign to rid the sector of bad actors.
The GGDMA has expressed full support for the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Natural Resources in enforcing a “Zero Tolerance” policy against illegal mining and unregulated activities.
The association endorses the comprehensive campaign to sanitise the sector and make 2026 a defining year in eliminating bad actors who damage the reputations of compliant miners. It emphasises that the sector is evolving and that informal, undocumented gold trading must come to an end.
Legitimate miners have nothing to fear, but those operating outside the law must regularise or leave the industry.
The GGDMA clarified that enforcing mining and gold-trading laws does not threaten small miners but is necessary to curb gold-smuggling.
Gold must only be sold to the Guyana Bold Board (GGB) or licensed dealers and traders approved by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). Anyone wishing to trade or barter gold must obtain the proper licence.
The association also supports the requirement for miners to have local bank accounts, promoting transparency, security, and modern financial practices. Miners are reminded to desist from outdated practices.
The GGDMA maintains that these reforms will strengthen the sector, restore its integrity, and allow legitimate miners to operate free from the stigma created by illegal operators.
GGDMA EXPRESSES APPRECIATION
The GGDMA expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to President Ali for maintaining an open-door policy with the association and for the government’s continued commitment to supporting and modernising the mining sector.
The GGDMA said it remains committed to working collaboratively with the government and all stakeholders to ensure a productive, compliant, and competitive mining sector.