A total of 138 mining blocks were last Friday distributed during a mining lottery held in Bartica, the third of its kind to be rolled out by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission.
The distribution, which saw persons in Bartica as well as surrounding areas receiving lands, was done under the supervision of Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman.
A release from the ministry stated that all applicants present at the lottery were awarded one mining block each, located in the mining districts of Berbice, Potaro, Mazaruni, Cuyuni and Rupununi. It was explained that the process was two-fold, first being district-specific to ensure that persons living within the district were given first preference, followed by persons outside of the district.
“The Minister understands the importance of mining in the Bartica community and continues to seek to make more opportunities readily available to small miners. The Minister takes this time to express his gratitude to the assiduous staff of the GGMC who continue to ensure that his vision for small miners is completed. Mining lotteries were so far held in Georgetown and Port Kaituma,” the release stated.
It was noted that the initiative, according to Trotman, is part of government’s promise to make mining lands available to deserving small miners.
