𝗚𝗚𝗠𝗖 𝗜𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀

𝗚𝗘𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗢𝗪𝗡, 𝗚𝗨𝗬𝗔𝗡𝗔 — 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) wishes to advise mining stakeholders, tenure holders, and members of the public that the practice of selling or purporting to sell mining lands granted by the Commission, is seriously engaging the attention of the Commission.

Mining lands and related tenures are granted to individuals and entities for the specific purpose of undertaking mining activities as represented in the application process, and in accordance with the applicable laws, regulations, terms and conditions governing the grant of such tenure. Tenure holders are therefore advised against the sale, assignment, or purported transfer of mining lands in circumstances where such transactions are not authorized under the applicable legal and regulatory framework.

The GGMC is also discouraging the use of Irrevocable Powers of Attorney (IPOAs) as a means of effecting or facilitating the purported sale, transfer, or acquisition of mining lands. An Irrevocable Power of Attorney, in itself, is not acceptable proof of ownership or lawful tenure of mining property. Persons are therefore urged to exercise caution when entering into arrangements involving mining lands on the basis of such instruments.

The GGMC recognizes, however, that there are legitimate opportunities for investors, miners, and other stakeholders to collaborate in the development of mining properties. In this regard, persons who wish to develop or participate in the development of mining properties are encouraged to explore legitimate Joint Venture arrangements and other lawful mechanisms through which parties can collaborate in mining operations and achieve beneficial occupation and productive use of the property. Such arrangements should be properly structured, documented, and submitted to the GGMC for consideration and approval.

The GGMC further urges all persons contemplating transactions involving mining lands to seek clarification from the Commission before entering into any agreement or making financial commitments. Persons should not rely solely on private agreements, powers of attorney, receipts, or other instruments as evidence that an individual has the legal right to sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of a mining property.

The Commission remains committed to ensuring that mining lands are utilized in accordance with their intended purpose, that the integrity of the mining tenure system is maintained, and that Guyana’s mineral resources are developed in a transparent, responsible, and sustainable manner.

The GGMC will continue to monitor this matter and will take such regulatory and other appropriate action as may be necessary to safeguard the integrity of the mining sector and protect persons from entering into unauthorized or irregular transactions involving mining lands.

The GGMC therefore reiterates its advisory to all tenure holders: mining lands granted for mining purposes should not be sold or purportedly sold, and Irrevocable Powers of Attorney should not be treated as proof of ownership or lawful tenure.

For further information or clarification regarding mining tenures, Joint Venture arrangements, or proposed transactions involving mining properties, persons are encouraged to contact the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission.