The Ministry of Natural Resources has issued a strong warning to miners across Guyana, urging them to discontinue the practice of paying workers in raw gold. This illegal method of compensation undermines transparency, weakens gold declarations, and exposes workers to potential exploitation and unsafe practices.
The call came during a high-level meeting held on December 10, 2025, in collaboration with the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA). Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat reiterated that all workers in the mining sector must be compensated through lawful financial channels in accordance with labor and tax laws. He emphasized that the illegal practice known as the “Blai box” must be stopped, stating that gold may only be used in transactions with approved buyers and the Guyana Gold Board. The ministry has indicated that inspections will be increased, with penalties for employers found in breach.
Minister Bharrat also reaffirmed the Government of Guyana’s commitment to managing the country’s mineral resources responsibly and transparently, in strict compliance with legal standards.
Enhanced Measures Announced
As part of a strengthened enforcement approach, the ministry has introduced several immediate measures, including:
Tighter Oversight: Increased scrutiny of licensed gold dealers and traders, with intensified audits of purchasing records, verification of gold source declarations, and routine compliance checks. Dealers facilitating undeclared transactions or failing to meet reporting requirements will face sanctions, including the suspension or revocation of their licenses.
Field Operations: A significant scale-up in field operations across mining districts aims to curb illegal mining. These efforts will ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and production reporting standards while targeting unauthorized activities.
Seizure of Illegal Equipment: Agencies under the ministry’s purview have been directed to intensify the seizure of illegal mining equipment, particularly machinery operating without proper documentation or in prohibited areas. This forms part of a zero-tolerance policy against violations of mining regulations.
Multi-Agency Operations
To further enhance enforcement, the ministry will expand multi-agency operations involving the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and other relevant agencies. These joint operations will focus on identifying, arresting, and prosecuting individuals and groups engaged in illegal mining.
Miners have been strongly urged to sell gold only to the Guyana Gold Board or licensed dealers. This approach is deemed critical for maintaining accurate national production data, promoting fair trade, and ensuring the sector’s benefits are appropriately accounted for.
