Miners Association urges gold miners to ramp up declarations to meet national declaration target

Tue Dec 09 2025

The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has issued a call on all miners to intensify their efforts to meet the 2025 national gold declaration targets, reminding that the sustainability of the sector relies on compliance, transparency, and the rejection of illicit trading channels.

In a release, the GGDMA reminded all miners that gold must only be sold to the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) or to authorized buyers.

It noted that authorized buyers are strictly defined as Dealers licensed by the Gold Board and Licensed Traders in gold as approved by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

“Miners are strongly advised to avoid “roving traders ” or illegal landings, where illegal gold buyers set up shop to buy directly from unethical miners without any paper trail. These unregulated channels are often linked to gold smuggling operations, which result in massive losses of taxes and royalties to the state and have been linked to other nefarious activities,” the GGDMA noted.

The GGDMA also reminded miners that they must ensure proper documentation is received when selling their gold and that it is in their best interest to request a periodic statement of their transactions from the Licensed Gold Dealer.

Additionally, the Association cautioned miners that it is illegal to pay workers with gold and reminded that gold can only be used as transactions with approved buyers and the Guyana Gold board.

“The GGDMA calls on all legitimate small and medium-scale miners to separate themselves from “rogue elements” and criminals who falsely identify themselves as small miners. Illegal mining and smuggling have no place in Guyana. The GGDMA therefore reminds miners that it is part of their responsibility to ensure fair and true declarations, increase production, and work with the government to reduce illegal operations in the sector,” the Association stated.

The Gold Miners Association said since the government has incentivize the industry, it is imperative that miners reciprocate by ensuring full declarations. The Association said it remains committed to supporting the Government in taking necessary actions to increase production and declarations while curbing smuggling.

The GGDMA said it firmly believes that decisive action is required to stamp out illegal activities that precede smuggling.

Source: https://newssourcegy.com/