…says drought, labor woes slow production
Striving to keep up with the 2024 gold production targets already set out, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) is calling on gold miners to ramp up production and redouble their efforts to reach the 2024 annual production target of 500,000 Ounces.
On Thursday, the GGDMA in a statement said that various factors have contributed to the snail paste momentum of gold production.
According to the mining body expressed that 2024 has already been a relatively tough year, with challenges related to the prolonged drought and labor shortages.
The association however, expects that the industry can still deliver on the targets set.
Additionally, the GGDMA is also reminding miners that gold must be sold only to the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) or an authorized buyer.
An authorised buyer may be Dealer licensed by the Guyana Gold Board or persons/entities who are Licensed Traders in gold as authorized by the GGMC. This includes the recently established offices in Lethem, which is temporarily located at the Guyana Geology and Mines’ (GGMC) compound in Lethem.
The GGDMA recognizes that there are inherent dangers of working in the mining sector and will continue to work with the government and security forces to address improvements to security and safety. The issue of border security is not native to Guyana only, but it is a problem that affects even the much more developed countries of North America and Europe.
On this point, the GGDMA is reminding miners that they should ensure that proper documentation and a periodic statement of their transactions are received from the Licensed Gold Dealer.
These statements should be with the gold dealer’s records presented to GGB. This verification is important since it will ensure that gold is properly accounted for and that miners’ taxes are being correctly paid to the Government.
The GGDMA said that it continues to support the Government as it addresses issues within the sector.
Gold mining remains a major source of foreign exchange earnings for the Guyana economy and all efforts must be made to ramp up expansion and production. The sector provides a livelihood for more than 50,000 persons.
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