Small miners need more than promises

Feb 19, 2015 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
I noticed that recently in the press the Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud, has been speaking about the benefits miners receive from his ministry. However, as a small miner, I would like to point out that many of these benefits do not reach down to us; they are mainly for the big producers. We have not been able to get any of these benefits.
I also want to call on the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA) to pay more attention to this situation. I also noticed that recently the Minister announced that his ministry has made it possible for miners to get duty free concessions on spares and parts for mining equipment, I do not know where this is in place, but certainly not at GRA, as the Customs Department is unaware.
I hope that the Miners’ Association can urgently shed some light on the status of the duty free concessions given by the Ministry of Natural Resources. I am sure that this will not be for the big producers only. In addition to this, the Minister mentioned about giving duty free vehicles to miners; but this is also only for large miners. There is a requirement of declaring at least 5,000 ounces of gold before you can get the duty free. There are no small miners who can even get this target, I am asking that the government look back at this target and make concessions for smaller producers.
Recently we have started to benefit from the slight rise in the gold prices, but this has not lasted and the effects were short term. Apart from the reduction of fuel prices, real concessions in the mining sector remain limited. During the height of the gold prices, some of us were able to acquire lands and become independent of the large producers. However, with the return of the low prices, we are going to find the rental rates very difficult, and may be forced to return to renting from other concession holders. We recall that a commitment was given by President Ramotar to look into the rental rates being charged for mining lands. Rental rates will impact directly on our bottomline.
There are several other issues that can be addressed to help the sector, as we are struggling. There are roads that are very difficult to pass, and this increases our transportation time and costs. Additionally I hope that the GGDMA can urgently use the fuel licence that they have to bring in fuel at an even cheaper cost than the big stations. We in the mining sector need all the help we can get, and so far we have been getting a lot more promises than assistance.
Small Miner

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Small miners need more than promises

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