Guyanese gov’t issues warning to people engaged in illegal gold trade
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, (CMC) – The Guyana government is warning individuals engaged in the illegal gold trade that they face prosecution, if caught.
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) along with its agencies, specifically the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), said it is reminding the public that only individuals or entities holding a valid gold dealer’s licence issued by the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), or a valid trader’s licence issued by the GGMC, are legally permitted to purchase gold in Guyana.
“An application for a new licence or the renewal of an existing licence does not grant any legal authority to conduct gold trading activities,” it said, adding that it wished to notify that all pending applications for trading licences in gold and precious stones must await the formal and official issuance of their licence prior to engaging in any such transactions.
“ Anyone caught contravening this, or buying gold without a valid licence, will be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of Guyana.”
The authorities say that they remain committed to enforcing the laws governing the mining and trading of mineral resources in Guyana and will continue to take the necessary steps to uphold transparency and legality in the sector.
