Minister Robert Persaud
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud said there will be no tolerance for illegal mining since his ministry is doing a lot to improve the state of the sector. The minister was at the time speaking to a gathering of miners and business operators at Port Kaituma, Region One. He said that persons found involved in irresponsible mining will be penalised.
“We will promote and we will support legal mining, we will promote and support safe mining, we will promote also mining that takes into account social issues as well as very important environmental issues,” he stated.
Persaud pointed out that the government has been criticised for being too facilitative of mining and pays no attention to its challenges; however, he noted that it will make no apologies for being committed to the development of the sector.
“We believe that if there is a resource that is utilised in a responsible and environmentally-friendly way and we put the necessary controls and regulations, there ought to be absolutely no reason why we should frustrate and prevent the development of that resource for the wealth and prosperity of our nation.”
Crack down
He explained that one of the mechanisms government is using to crack down on illegal mining is a lottery system. Persaud said the ministry recently held a lottery, targeting those miners who do not have mining properties, so that miners cannot use that as an excuse for their illegal work.
The natural resources minister disclosed that in Region One, some 65 mining licences were issued.
In addition, close to 430 medium scale permits, 30 mining permits and 63 special mining permits have been issued, and currently in excess of 123 permits for blocks awarded during a recent lottery process are being processed.
“This is indicative of the government’s and ministry’s commitment, working through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, facilitating the orderly development of the mining sector,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Persaud emphasised that with the introduction of integrated solutions in mining equipment, suppliers should not only focus on profits and sustain ability, but also support responsible mining.
