GGDMA urges miners to boost gold declarations and sell only to licensed dealers

The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has issued a renewed call for miners nationwide to ramp up gold declarations to meet the 2025 national production targets.

In a statement on Saturday, the association stressed that the mining sector’s sustainability depends on transparency, compliance, and a firm rejection of illicit trading channels.

The GGDMA reminded miners that gold must only be sold to the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) or authorised buyers. These authorised buyers include dealers licensed by the GGB and licensed traders approved by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

According to the association, miners must avoid unregulated “roving traders” or illegal landings, where illegal gold buyers operate without documentation. The GGDMA warned that such operations are often tied to smuggling networks, which rob the state of taxes and royalties and contribute to wider criminal activities.

Miners are also being urged to keep records of all their transactions, including receipts, to protect their interests and ensure their contributions to the national economy are correctly recorded.

The GGDMA highlighted several key guidelines for miners when transacting business:

• Ensure proper documentation is issued for every sale to a licensed buyer.

• Request periodic statements of transactions from licensed gold dealers.

• Cross-check those statements with the GGB to confirm their accuracy.

• Secure proof that tax deductions and payments are being properly handled.

The association further advised miners to verify the legitimacy of gold buyers before selling. Lists of approved dealers and traders are available on the GGB and GGMC websites.

Additionally, the GGDMA reminded miners that it is illegal to pay workers with gold, or what is commonly known as the “Blai box”. Gold sales must only be completed through authorised buyers or the Gold Board.

The association urged genuine small and medium-scale miners to dissociate themselves from rogue elements and criminals who disguise illegal mining and smuggling under the label of small-scale operations.

It noted that since the current administration has reinstated several incentives beneficial to the mining industry, miners must play their part by ensuring full declarations.

The GGDMA affirmed its support for the Government’s ongoing efforts to increase gold production and declarations while cracking down on smuggling and illegal mining operations.