The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has dismissed a call by the South Rupununi District Council for there to be a suspension of mining activities in the Marudi area following last weekend’s attack and abductions by a suspected Brazilian gang.

The Gold Miners body described the call to suspend mining in the Marudi Mountain area as ”preposterous and nonsensical”, explaining that such a decision would hurt many more Guyanese than it would help.

The Association said in Guyana, mining provides a livelihood for more than 50,000 persons, is still largely locally owned and operated, and remains one of the single largest tools for many to find an independent livelihood. 

In expressing concern over the recent attack and abductions, the South Rupununi Council also called for more Police presence in the area and for mining in the indigenous area to be properly regulated, to ensure the safety of the communities. Nine persons were abducted and robbed at gunpoint and eventually released by the Brazilian gang.

The GGDMA said it recognises 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 body said the issue of border security is not native to Guyana, and is a problem that affects even the much more developed countries of North America and Europe.   

The GGDMA today called on gold miners to ramp up production and redouble their efforts to reach the 2024 annual production target of 500,000 ounces.

During the first half of 2024, total gold declarations declined by 10.3% to 188,160 ounces, reflecting lower declarations by small and medium scale miners, the Bank of Guyana said in its mid-year report.  

“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 GGDMA said.

The GGDMA reminded miners that gold must be sold only to the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) or an authorized buyer. 

An authorized buyer may be dealer licensed by the Guyana Gold Board or persons/entities who are Licensed Traders in gold as authorized by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). 

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