Gov’t to reduce mercury use, expand markets
February 11 2026
The government plans to introduce a national branding programme for Guyana’s gold, expand purchasing systems, strengthen support for small miners, and reduce mercury use as part of its 2026 strategy for the mining sector, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat announced during the consideration of Budget 2026 estimates on Tuesday.
Minister Bharrat said work is advancing on new standards for the gold and jewellery industry, including a branding initiative aimed at giving Guyana’s gold a stronger international identity. The move is expected to attract investment, enhance market value, and support tourism.
The minister also outlined plans to expand gold-purchasing services in hinterland and mining communities. While there are no immediate plans to open a permanent Guyana Gold Board office in Region Ten, mobile purchasing systems are being explored for Regions Seven and Ten to improve access for miners.
He further disclosed that the cash payment limit for miners has already been increased from GYD $1.5 million to GYD $6 million, with authorities continuing to monitor gold prices to determine whether further adjustments are necessary.
Improved enforcement and closer engagement with miners have led to stronger gold declarations, according to Bharrat. December 2025 recorded the highest monthly declaration on record, with approximately 81,000 ounces declared.
For the full year, small and medium-scale miners declared about 317,000 ounces of gold. The minister emphasised that compliance efforts are intended to support legal mining and accurate reporting rather than displace operators.
To further assist small miners, the government plans to make more mining lands available through structured developments and lotteries in Regions One, Seven, and Eight, following models such as the Issano–14 Miles project. In addition, a national mineral inventory project using aerial surveys is nearing completion and is expected to improve land allocation by identifying areas with stronger mineral potential.
Bharrat also highlighted efforts to reduce mercury use in gold mining, noting Guyana’s commitments under the Minamata Convention. The government is promoting alternative technologies that can significantly improve gold recovery rates while reducing environmental and health risks. Mercury-free systems, he explained, can increase recovery from roughly 35–40 per cent to as much as 70 per cent. While many medium-scale miners have already begun adopting these technologies, small miners are being encouraged to form groups or consortia to make the investment more affordable.
The combined initiatives — including better regulation, improved mineral data, expanded land access, upgraded technology, and environmental safeguards — are intended to strengthen Guyana’s gold industry while ensuring greater benefits for local miners and sustainable sector growth.
