The Ministry of Natural Resources announced on Sunday that 225 small-scale miners will receive mining lands as part of a new “Troy-like” land allocation model aimed at expanding access to mining lands while enhancing compliance and transparency in the gold mining sector.
In the next two to three months, the ministry plans to make available at least 75 parcels in each region, resulting in approximately 225 new land allocations. Each parcel will increase in size from 27 acres to 50 acres per miner. Beneficiaries will also have the option to relinquish their mined-out allocation and apply for another 50-acre parcel.
This initiative follows the successful model used in the Issano 14 Mile area, previously associated with Troy Resources, where small miners have been actively operating after the area’s closure and subdivision into smaller parcels.
The ministry, in collaboration with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), will extend this model to similar areas in Region One (Mabaruma/Matthews Ridge sub-district), Region Seven, and Region Eight.
Enhanced Data Collection and Support
Additionally, the government has engaged U.S.-based Global Venturing to conduct mineral processing and data collection exercises across mining districts. The nearing completion of aerial surveys will provide high-quality geological data to inform land allocations, thereby reducing prospecting costs for small miners, minimizing environmental impact, and improving overall efficiency in the sector.
To further support miners, the Guyana Gold Board plans to introduce mobile purchasing units to enhance accessibility for those in remote locations. The ministry reiterated that all gold produced in Guyana must be sold to the Guyana Gold Board or licensed buyers.
Enforcement and Compliance
Since intensified enforcement operations began in recent months, over 400 pieces of equipment—including engines, pumps, generators, and excavators—have been seized in joint operations conducted by the GGMC and the Guyana Police Force. Nearly 100 individuals have been prosecuted, with additional matters pending before the courts.
“These enforcement actions are designed to ensure compliance, protect the integrity of the industry, and secure fair returns for Guyana,” noted the Ministry of Natural Resources. The ministry expressed its commitment to working alongside small and medium-scale miners, emphasizing that they are essential to building a sustainable and prosperous mining sector for all Guyanese.
