The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has issued an urgent call for all miners to intensify efforts to meet the 2025 national gold declaration targets, emphasising that the sustainability of the sector depends on compliance, transparency, and rejecting illicit trading channels.
The Association reminded miners that gold must only be sold to the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) or to authorized buyers, defined strictly as dealers licensed by the GGB and licensed traders approved by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).
Miners were strongly advised to avoid “roving traders” or illegal landings, where unregulated buyers purchase gold directly from unethical miners without proper documentation. The GGDMA noted that such channels are often linked to gold smuggling operations, resulting in significant losses of taxes and royalties to the state and other criminal activities.
To protect their interests and ensure their contributions to the national economy are properly recorded, miners were urged to follow these protocols:
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Demand Documentation: Ensure proper documentation is received for all gold sales to licensed buyers.
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Verify Records: Request periodic statements from licensed gold dealers.
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Cross-Check with GGB: Compare dealer statements with records at the GGB to confirm accuracy.
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Secure Tax Payments: Verification ensures gold is accounted for and taxes are correctly remitted to the government.
The Association also warned that it is illegal to pay workers in gold, cautioning miners against participating in so-called “Blai box” transactions. Gold can only be transacted with approved buyers and the Guyana Gold Board.
Miners were further urged to separate themselves from “rogue elements” and criminals who falsely identify as small-scale miners, with the GGDMA reiterating that illegal mining and smuggling have no place in Guyana.
The Association stressed that, following the reinstatement of government incentives for the sector, it is imperative for miners to ensure full declarations, increase production, and work alongside authorities to reduce illegal operations.
“The GGDMA firmly believes that decisive action is required to stamp out illegal activities that precede smuggling,” the Association said, noting that illegal mining and unlicensed shops fuel other associated criminal activities.
Lists of approved dealers are available on the GGB website at https://ggb.gov.gy/documentations/dealers-declarations-2020/, and approved traders on the GGMC website at https://www.ggmc.gov.gy/ggmc_web/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Active-Trading-Licences-as-at-May-7-2025.pdf.
