Gold production surpasses last year’s

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 December 2015, 21:00 by GxMedia

Guyana has recorded the highest ever gold declaration of 458,105 ounces as at December 16, 2013 surpassing the previous highest level of 455, 918 ounces in 2011; which included the declarations of both Omai and small scale operators.

This announcement was made by the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Hon. Robert M. Persaud. He pointed out that “this is a proud moment for all those who work in the sector”. “It shows dedication and commitment of the miners and also addresses the concerns about underclaration of gold or the claims of gold smuggling”, he was quoted in a statement issued by his Ministry on Tuesday.

Minister Persaud was advised by the Guyana Gold Board that in 2011, gold declaration was just about 363,083 ounces, while in 2012, it increased to 438,645 ounces and as at December 16, 2013 declaration is at 458, 105 ounces. This, Minister Persaud said, is expected to further increase within the new two weeks.

The Natural Resources and the Environment Minister also added that “the continuous increase speaks of the commitment and conformity of the sector to the laws and regulations. As such, all Guyanese must celebrate this achievement of small and medium scale miners”.

Further, the Natural Resources Minister stated that his Ministry has been focusing on green development within the extractive sectors which is within our framework for a low carbon economy; this he said will be intensified in 2014.