Acknowledging that access to land has long been a challenge for small miners, President Dr. Irfaan Ali said the government has developed an initiative that will enable this group to pool their resources, improve productivity, and better benefit from government support.
He made the remarks on Friday during an interaction with small miners at Puruni Landing, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
“I know land for small miners is a big issue. But listen to me carefully. Listen carefully. It is uneconomical for a hundred small miners to be in a hundred different locations,” the Head of State explained.
“Because a hundred different sets of transportation you have to get,” he noted.
The solution, he said, is for small miners to form consortiums.
“We are to work in identifying one area, bring a consortium of small miners, and have you located in that area so we can provide better services to you,” the President noted.
You don’t need a hundred trucks…If you’re together in one locality, instead of a hundred trucks, we can help you invest in five trucks. You can then come together and have one set of equipment that supports all of the operation,” he further outlined.
The President has set a timeframe of two months for the formation of these groups.
“So, within the next two months, in the first quarter, we can have those allocations directly to the small miners’ consortium and we can help you through the financial system, write up your proposal and get the backing for you. All we ask in return is for you to do the right thing,” President Ali said, emphasising that they need to comply with the laws and regulations governing the sector.
In addition to assistance with access to land, the small miners’ consortium will get other government support.
“And we’re not only going to identify the land. I’ve directed the minister to ensure that we help to do some of the basic testing, the basic testing. We help you with technology, with mining education,” the President noted.
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