38 receive mining blocks through lottery in Port Kaituma

Oct 04, 2021 News

Kaieteur News – Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, on Saturday oversaw a lottery exercise in which 38 miners received medium scale mining blocks in the North West District.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal

According to a press release, the exercise was carried out at the Port Kaituma Community Centre, Region One. In addition to Minister Croal, present at the awarding of the mining blocks were officials of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley and other officials.
Approximately 89 persons applied for a chance to be awarded a mining block. Minister Croal during his address to the persons gathered at the Community Centre stated that he is pleased to see the majority representing small-scale miners. “This exercise is aimed at providing transparency, as well as, part of our manifesto commitment to provide more opportunities for small scale miners to be able to embark on these ventures,” the Minister said.
Following the drawing process, the awardees were given the opportunity to advance the permit process with the payment of the environmental bond and other fees.
Moreover, while congratulating the successful applicants, the Minister charged them to conduct their activities in accordance with mining laws, and keeping in mind the effects of their operations on nearby communities.
According to Mines Manager, Krishna Ramdas, GGMC has managed to improve the quality of the mining blocks, compared to recent years, by making more information accessible on the mineral components and providing blocks with better access routes.
It was further stated that approximately 202 mining blocks are expected to be distributed nationally through mining lottery exercises, which are ongoing simultaneously.

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