The pace of progress in discourses between government and the mining sector over concessions designed to enhance productivity in an industry weighed down by the effects of continually falling gold prices remains slow, the change in political administration notwithstanding, Administrative Coordinator of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) Colin Sparman has told Stabroek Business.
In a telephone interview conducted on Wednesday Sparman said the mining sector was still seeking to finalize with the present administration understandings reached with its predecessor relating to concessions in a number of areas including reduced fuel prices, duty-free all-terrain vehicles and hinterland access roads. He said that while engagements between the miners and government remain cordial there was no mistaking the sense of urgency attached to the challenges facing the sector.
“The situation in the industry is serious. Some miners are leaving and they do not plan to return,” Sparman said.
David Granger
Late in June in the wake of the release of figures which indicated that the industry had produced 164,419 ounces of gold, compared with 198,000 ounces for the same period last year, the GGDMA had met Governance Minister Raphael Trotman, who has responsibility for the mining sector, though Sparman said that the meeting had taken place “after at least one postponement.” Asked to assess the state of the sector in the context of the recently released half year figures Sparman said it provided a clear indication that conditions in the sector were “quite bad.”
Just over a week ago Trotman announced that government would place caps on the amount of land allocated to any one miner. While Sparman declined to comment on the minister’s substantive pronouncement he expressed the view that such a development might have been discussed with the GGDMA before it was made public.
And against the backdrop of mounting concern over the escalating crime situation including high crime levels in interior communities, Sparman told Stabroek Business that the GGDMA was scheduled to meet Vice President and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan next week to discuss means by which a greater sense of order could be brought to interior mining communities. President David Granger has, in the past, written and spoken about administrative weaknesses and resource allocation deficiencies in the policing of interior communities while discussions between miners and government have dealt with a range of issues including the increase issuance of firearm licenses.
Security apart, Sparman said the mining sector continued to be plagued by worsening conditions on access roads to mining locations. He said while some contracts had already been finalized for road repairs, the commencement of works was being hampered by the current inclement weather.
