The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment has announced that there will be no ban on the importation of popular trucks, older than 8 years, which are utilized in the mining industry (Model M and TM).
This disclosure was made during a recent meeting between the Ministry and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA).
The GGDMA was also advised that a committee has been convened and tasked with identifying lands for allocation exclusively to small scale miners in each mining district and is expected to conclude its work in a couple months.
Both entities reinforced that gold smuggling was unacceptable.
The GGDMA noted that, “It (gold smuggling) robs the industry of its true revenue position and deprives Guyanese and state of its resources. We call on the government to continue tightening all avenues, especially our ports of exit and entry and other porous areas on our borders, to rid us of this scourge and the negative publicity that it has brought our industry.”
The Association assured that the majority of miners are not involved in smuggling and are focused on self and national development.
“While we agree that smuggling is taking place, the figure being touted of 15,000 ounces per week is ridiculous, at least. It is very difficult for us to fathom that 15,000 ounces are being smuggled out of the country on a weekly basis as this amount equates to over 770,000 ounces per annum, this would be approximately double the average annual yearly declarations over the last few years,” it stated.
The entity is optimistic that over time more details are made available about these numbers, so that clarity can be acquired.
