Government unsatisfied with mining practices in Guyana; Concessions to be reviewed

Among the steps to be taken to regulate the mining sector is the review of concessions granted, especially those within Amerindian lands, granting of more powers to mining officers to effectively enforce the laws and regulations, and a complete review of legislation governing this sector.

Government unsatisfied with mining practices in Guyana; Concessions to be reviewed

Government has expressed dissatisfaction with the way in which mining is done in Guyana, especially the damage to the environment, and is taking steps to correct this.

 “Mining is a worthy occupation, endeavour … but I believe it is not being carried out in the best ways possible, so Government is not satisfied, especially the President. He has spoken about perception of corruption, he has spoken about the way the land is left in a devastated manner, after mining, he has spoken about the pollution etc.”

This is according to Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, who addressed the matter during a recent interview with the Government information Agency (GINA). Minister Trotman has oversight for the mining sector.

Among the steps to be taken to regulate the mining sector is the review of concessions granted, especially those within Amerindian lands, granting of more powers to mining officers to effectively enforce the laws and regulations, and a complete review of legislation governing this sector.

The Minister, who is passionate about reducing and possibly eliminating the social ills in the mining sector, is expected to collaborate with the various stakeholders in the sector, as well as the Ministry of Social Protection in this regard.

“I have bemoaned the fact very often, or too much the perception of mining, yes it’s big money, but there is also a sense of wantonness where money buys you influence, it buys you power, I speak about the attendant ills of mining that  bother me immensely, the degradation to the land, people possessing guns, prostitution,  drugs etc,” Minister Trotman stated.

“We have every intention of continuing mining, but we believe that it has to be regulated far better than it has been in the past.” (GINA)

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