Natural Resources Ministry urges miners to stop paying workers in raw gold

The Ministry of Natural Resources has strongly urged miners across Guyana to cease the practice of paying workers in raw gold, warning that the illegal method of compensation undermines transparency, weakens gold declarations, and exposes workers to exploitation and unsafe practices.

The call was made during a high-level meeting convened on December 10, 2025, by the Ministry of Natural Resources in collaboration with the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA).

In a statement, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, reiterated that all workers in the mining sector must be paid through lawful financial channels in keeping with labour and tax laws. He also reminded miners that it is illegal to allow what is commonly referred to as the “Blai box,” stressing that gold may only be used in transactions with approved buyers and the Guyana Gold Board. The ministry indicated that inspections will be increased and employers found in breach will face penalties.

During the engagement, Minister Bharrat further emphasised the Government of Guyana’s firm commitment to ensuring that the country’s mineral resources are managed responsibly, transparently, and in strict accordance with the law.

As part of a strengthened enforcement approach, several enhanced measures were identified and are to be implemented immediately. These include tighter oversight of licensed gold dealers and traders, with intensified audits of purchasing records, verification of gold source declarations, and routine compliance checks. Dealers found facilitating undeclared gold transactions or failing to meet reporting requirements risk sanctions, including the suspension or revocation of their licences.

The ministry also announced a significant scale-up in field operations across mining districts to curb illegal mining. These efforts will focus on ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, and production reporting standards, while targeting unauthorised mining activities.

Additionally, agencies under the ministry’s purview have been directed to intensify the seizure of illegal mining equipment, particularly machinery operating without proper documentation or within prohibited areas. This forms part of what the ministry described as a zero-tolerance stance against activities that undermine national mining regulations.

To further strengthen enforcement, multi-agency operations will be expanded, involving the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and other relevant agencies. These joint operations will focus on identifying, arresting, and prosecuting individuals and groups engaged in illegal mining.

Miners were also strongly urged to sell gold only to the Guyana Gold Board or licensed dealers, a move the ministry said is critical for maintaining accurate national production data, promoting fair trade, and ensuring the sector’s benefits are properly accounted for.