Lengthy delays in the processing of work permits by the Ministry of Home Affairs contribute to illegal gold-mining by a number of non-Guyanese miners, particularly Brazilians, according to a Guyana Gold and Diamond Mining, and Association (GGDMA) source.
“It can take several months for a foreign miner to secure a work permit which really ought to be issued in a matter of days. In fact, what often happens is that by the time the permit is issued the period for which it obtains may have already expired or may be close to its expiry date,”