Barama not denying miners access to new roads

Barama ?not denying miners access to new roads'
Kaieteur news, 29 September 2007

Barama, one of Guyana 's largest logging companies, is denying that it will be
totally stopping persons from using roads and trails it has built in the
interior.

Miners, last week, said that the company will be denying access to miners to new
roads and trails being built by them.

Barama's Chairman, Girwar Lalaram, on Thursday, said that the company ?is
concerned over recent reports in the press regarding the use of company roads
by the mining community.?

According to Barama, it is merely seeking to have proper mechanisms in place to
monitor mining activities within the certified areas, with ?special emphasis
on proper environmental practices and strict safety precautions in using the
roads.?

At a press conference held last Saturday, miners also claimed that no further
mining licences will be issued for concessions in the Barama-held area. While
Barama did not address this issue Thursday, it said that a full statement will
be issued shortly.

The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) is also claiming that
several new decisions by the government to regulate the mining industry will,
instead, have adverse effects. The decisions were conveyed to the miners during
a meeting with Prime Minister Sam Hinds last week, the Association said.

According to the miners, the decisions will, in effect, force the closure of
small and medium scale mining operations within six months if they are
implemented.

GGDMA also disclosed that the decision by regulatory body, the Guyana Geology
and Mines Commission (GGMC), to increase rental payments for land concessions
has been done without the input of the Association.

The Association said that it was taken aback, too, by the decision to stop all
dredging operations in the Waini area since it was ?surprised that such
decisions can be taken without any consultation with the mining community.?

GGDMA had also lashed out at a mining committee that was being set up by
Government without the miners' input.

According to GGDMA, the committee has not yet spoken to the miners. (Leonard
Gildarie)