GGDMA supports govt’s “zero tolerance” campaign

• says 2026 marks the year to rid the sector of bad actors, embrace modernization

The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has endorsed the recent move by the Natural Resources Ministry to enforce a “Zero Tolerance Policy” against illegal mining and unregulated activities.

A statement issued by the body, related that it stands firmly behind the comprehensive campaign to sanitize the industry, ensuring that 2026 becomes the defining year for ridding the sector of bad actors who tarnish the reputation of compliant miners. The serious steps currently being taken are necessary to bring an end to illicit activities in the sector.

“We wish to make it clear: the sector is evolving. The days of informal, undocumented trading are over. Legitimate miners have nothing to fear from these changes, but those who operate in the shadows must either regularize or exit the industry. To all the foreign based operators who have been allowed the privilege to mine in our country, you are welcome if you are following the rules; to those who are not, you better shape up fast or ship out with haste,” the release added.

Recently, there have been suggestions that the enforcement of mining laws regarding gold trading threatens the livelihood of small miners or dismantles established credit systems.

“The GGDMA wishes to correct this misconception. The laws governing the sector are clear. Gold must only be sold to the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) or to authorized buyers. Authorized buyers are strictly defined as dealers licensed by the GGB and licensed traders in gold as approved by the GGMC. If a shopkeeper or business owner wishes to deal in gold, they must obtain the requisite trading license from the GGMC for the purpose of bartering.  We applaud the insistence by the government agencies that miners have bank accounts as this will aid in increasing the transparency as well as security in the sector.”

Miners have already adopted modern platforms to communicate and manage their operations; they are the owners of smart phones and most have access to the internet throughout the interior. Radio sets and similar devices are tools of the past.

The GGDMA explained that the industry needs to transition from a “keep your money under your mattress” mentality to utilizing these same modern communication tools to securely view their bank accounts and make electronic transfers instead of cash payments to settle their bills, both in the rural and urban areas.

As such, the association encourages the adoption of these types of financial tools and services for greater security in the sector which will also result in ease of conducting business where, for many transactions, miners would not even need to leave their camp in order to conclude these transactions.

Further, the Association reminds miners that the archaic practice of “paying in gold” for goods or services commonly referred to as the “blai box” must end. Gold is the property of the state and must enter the formal system through licensed channels with a verifiable paper trail.

Enforcing the requirement for gold buyers to be licensed is not an attempt to wipe out small miners; it is a necessary step to stop the smuggling of gold. Unregulated itinerant trading posts or “landings” set up at will often feed directly into smuggling rings. Any entity wishing to trade gold has a clear path, get licensed.

“We encourage all miners to adopt these positive changes, which include the new requirement for local bank accounts to process permits and the shift towards transparent, documented transactions; sell only through legal channels – the GGDMA reiterates its call for all miners to operate in the best interest of the country; sell to legitimate buyers – avoid “roving traders” or illegal shops. Sell only to the GGB or licensed dealers/ traders; get receipts – ensure proper documentation is received for every transaction and verify – request periodic statements from your buyer and cross-check them with the GGB to ensure your royalties as well as taxes are paid and that your production is counted toward the national target.”

The GGDMA supports the full restoration of the sector where legitimate miners can operate comfortably, free from the stigma caused by those who refuse to follow the law.