GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — Guyana says gold production remains on track to surpass the 555,000 ounces being projected for this year.

It said production at this stage is 94 per cent more than it was at this time last year.

“In mining we are doing relatively well,” said Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, noting that gold declarations for the first quarter of the year stood at 161,942 ounces.

He is estimating that gold production could reach 600,000 ounces this year.

Trotman also revealed that the sector has been making positive developments in reducing instances of gold smuggling.However, he said those developments would be made public later this year.

In addition, the sector has been making strides in eliminating the use of mercury in gold mining.

“There is some resistance but, at the same time I would say that a majority of miners are willing to comply,” Trotman said.

The elimination of Mercury from mining is part of modernising the technologies used in the extractive sector. The government says it is working on an action plan aimed at minimising and eventually eliminating the use of mercury in mining.

Meanwhile, for other minerals, the minister said bauxite continues to improve in production when compared to last year. However, the mining of stones has been problematic. Trotman said he will be making a statement on the issue next week.