Latest update May 14th, 2024 12:59 AM
Aug 27, 2014 News
Government is reviewing recommendations for tax waivers for Double Cab Pickups for miners
since this would promote efficient and safer travel, according to President Donald Ramotar in his feature address at the Opening and Award ceremony of Mining Week 2014, at the Gravity Lounge, Camp Street, on Monday evening.
“Of course we would want to tie in gold declaration and payment of taxes in our society to persons receiving tax waivers,” the President underscored.
Tax waivers already exist in the industry for spares and equipment such as All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), Excavators, and Bulldozers etc.
The Head of State who lauded the awardees said mining is an essential part of the economy and the proceeds gained through mining must be used in a sensible manner, so reinvestment must be done within the country to ensure future generations can also benefit from the natural resources.
“It is important for us to develop a social conscience amongst all miners and the understanding that the Guyanese population has to develop as a whole with investment, education and health etc.
“I know last year was a very good year for you and for the first time Guyanese miners without the major, big Omai-like investments made the highest production of gold in our country and that was a signal achievement of the work of our miners. Therefore you will see how much we do appreciate mining and do understand the important role that it plays in Guyana’s development, and I see myself that there will be a growing role for mining as we diversify into other areas.”
Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, said there are more persons, Guyanese and non-Guyanese, who want to get involved and be a part of the development of the industry, and he is optimistic about people’s growing confidence and interest in the sector.
President of the GGDMA, Patrick Harding explained that this year the mining industry is battling for survival. Among the challenges were the steep drop in gold prices, whilst cost of production remains high; marginal ore-bearing lands; inefficient ore-recovery technology; poor maintenance /repairs to hinterland roads and airstrips; non-financing for the mining industry from commercial banks; closure of the branches of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB); poor or minimal security/Police outreach for mining districts; non-presence or unqualified representatives, and understaffing and the inefficiency of the Mines Division of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).
He said that the agency held meetings with the various Governmental Agencies, including the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, GGMC, GGB, and the Guyana Police Force, with the hope of arriving at workable solutions that will alleviate the challenges and provide some relief to the mining industry.
“The opening up of more mineral lands to small and medium scale miners through the recent holding of auctions and lottery will give the miners the opportunity of owning lands. The Association encourages miners to take up these lands, and make them beneficially productive.
“GGMC is aware of the poor conditions of the hinterland roads, and is in the process of awarding contracts for the repairs and maintenance of some of the major roadways. This will alleviate high transportation costs for fuel, rations and supplies to mining location. GGDMA and GGMC are reviewing the sluice box recovery system to demonstrate improving the operating, and recovery of the sluice box. Research is being done on other ore recovery technologies.”
The sum of G$1Billion was approved by the Government as a revolving fund to assist small and medium scale miners to adopt the technology, processes and equipment that would enable miners to increase the rate of gold recovery and eliminate the use of mercury.
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