More land for small-scale gold miners

Last Updated on Monday, 16 February 2026, 21:00 by Writer

The Ministry of Natural Resources says large acreage of mining lands would be distributed to Guyanese small-scale gold miners.

The ministry explained that within the next two to three months, at least 75 parcels will be made available in each region, totalling approximately 225 allocations for small-scale Guyanese miners.

Importantly, the ministry says, the parcel size will increase from 27 acres to 50 acres per miner. “Beneficiaries will retain the option to relinquish their allocation once mined out and apply for another 50-acre parcel,” the natural resources ministry said in a statement.

Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed earlier this month, in his contribution to the 2026 National Budget debate, called for more mining lands to be made available to small-scale gold miners.

The ministry says the rollout of the new “Troy-like” land allocation model is aimed at expanding access to mining lands for small-scale Guyanese miners, “while reinforcing compliance and transparency within the gold mining subsector.”

This initiative follows the successful model implemented in the 14 Mile Issano Landing Area, formerly associated with Troy Resources Limited.

After the closure of that operation, a portion of the license area was subdivided into 27-acre parcels and allocated to small miners under a structured arrangement.

Nearly 100 small miners are currently operating in that area, benefiting significantly, particularly in regions Seven and Eight.

The Ministry, through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), says it will open similar areas in Region One (Mabaruma/Matthews Ridge sub-district), Region Seven, and Region Eight.

The government has engaged a U.S.-based company, Global Venturing, to conduct a mineral processing and data collection exercise across the mining districts.

The aerial surveys, now nearing completion, will provide high-quality geological data to guide more informed land allocations.

The government says this will reduce prospecting costs for small miners, minimize environmental impact, and improve overall efficiency in the sector.

Complementing these measures, the Guyana Gold Board says it will introduce mobile purchasing units (“mobile shops”) to enhance accessibility for miners in remote locations.

The ministry reiterated that all gold produced in Guyana must, by law, be sold to the Guyana Gold Board or a licensed buyer.

“These supportive measures accompany a firm zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining activities,” the natural resources ministry said.

Since the commencement of intensified enforcement operations in recent months, the ministry says more than 400 pieces of equipment, including engines, pumps, generators, and excavators, have been seized in joint exercises conducted by GGMC and the Guyana Police Force.

Nearly 100 individuals have been prosecuted, with additional matters before the courts.

“These enforcement actions are designed to ensure compliance, protect the integrity of the industry, and secure fair returns for Guyana.

The Ministry remains fully committed to working alongside small and medium-scale miners, being the backbone of our gold industry, to build a transparent, sustainable, and prosperous mining sector for all Guyanese,” the ministry added.