Latest update June 4th, 2026 12:30 AM
Committee ready to receive applications for prospecting permits
-Small miners will be given priority – Minister Trotman
The Closed Areas Committee – a group that advises the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, on the availability of lands for mining, among other things – is now ready to receive applications for consideration for prospecting permits to mining lands.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman during a press conference yesterday hosted at the Ministry’s Brickdam, Georgetown offices.
Trotman stated that last month the Ministry had announced that it was in the process of finalizing arrangements to make lands available for small miners.
“The Ministry remains very committed to ensuring that small miners – who are a valuable part of the natural resources sector – are able to ply their trade in a way that is beneficial to all. However, this must be done within the confines of the laws of Guyana and according to the guidelines and regulations that govern the sector,” Trotman stated.
At the Closed Areas Committee meeting held on Tuesday last, where both the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) were represented, it was agreed that the CAC is now ready to receive applications for consideration for prospecting permits to mining lands.
Trotman said that it was further agreed that the priority will be to small mining operations.
“The size of allocated lands will be 422 acres approximately, which shall constitute a block. A miner may be considered for a grant up to a maximum of 3 blocks – 1266 acres, and this will be based on the miner’s competency and resources, both financial and technical.” He said
These blocks, Trotman stated, will be given out in the 6 mining districts – Berbice, Potaro, Mazaruni, Cuyuni, North West and Rupununi.
He continued that the GGMC will receive applications and will provide the CAC with the background information of applicants to allow the committee to make informed recommendations to the Minister for approval.
The details for the process of making the applications, and the criteria to be applied, will be published in the daily newspapers, the Ministry’s website at: www.nre.gov.gy and through other media outlets, the minister said.
Trotman stated that the next, immediate order of business would be to address the application for persons who require alternative blocks of mining lands.
“At this point in time we are not contemplating a lottery, because we want to ensure that those with the greater need will be given the first preference.”
Share this:
Discover more from Kaieteur News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.