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Who We Are

Vision

To fortify our position as the repository for all incidental and geoscientific data pertaining to Guyana’s mineral resources (including petroleum), mining and development experiences: to utilize all enablers, disseminate same as “best-in-class” service to the public, targeting the mining (and petroleum) sector (s); relevant stakeholders and legitimate investors; while giving high regard to employees’ welfare and their development.

 

Mission Statement

To promote; facilitate, monitor and regulate for sustainable utilization of Guyana’s minerals’ resources (including petroleum). To provide effective stewardship of Guyana’s minerals resources (including petroleum) through the deployment of competent human resources employing innovative tools and methods, research and analysis.  To collaborate with relevant stakeholders in an enabling environment for optimum, mutually beneficial outcomes.

 

About

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) was created in 1979 from the Department of Geological Surveys and Mines which itself was the successor to the Geological Survey of British Guiana. Currently GGMC is divided into the following technical divisions:

  • Geological Services
  • Mines
  • Environment
  • Petroleum
  • Land Management

The technical divisions are assisted by the Administration and Finance Divisions to carry out their respective mandates. The functions of the commission are:

  • Regulatory - by virtue of the Mining Act No. 20 of 1989 and Regulations as amended by virtue of Petroleum Act No. 3 of 1986 and Regulations which define inspectorate and compliance monitoring.
  • Supervisory - by virtue of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act, Cap. 10:11 and Regulations as amended.
  • Rule Setting - Adjudication and enforcement of regulations fees, fines, penalties.
  • Promoting -  Education awareness, communications, publications, presentations.
  • Enhancing/Exploiting - Factors of Production, Process Flows, Land allocations, labour capital, management infrastructure development.
  • Capacity Building - Training, field demonstration, conferences, workshops, Research and development, technology transfer and development.
  • Informational - Creation and maintenance of database, storage, retrieval management and dissemination.
  • Fiscal Agent - Management of financial resources.
  • MRV -  Continuous monitoring, review and verification of mining and petroleum sector.
  • Policy Formulation -  Functions of the Chairman and Board of Directors
  • Legislative Framework -  Specified in present and future legislation
  • Change Agent - Transfer material roles/innovator/conduct for best practices.
  • Land management - Based on Mining Act, vesting of mineral rights and GGMC/state.
  • Direct Producer -  Commission can exploit mineral resources (not currently done).
  • Information Repository - For all incidental and geo-scientific data from mining experiences, exploration and such.
  • Advisory - to Government, miner, stakeholders.
  • Networking/Interface and International Compliance - Engagement with external bodies, rules, regulations, conventions, obligations, agreements, standards.
  • Compliance anti money laundering/countering financial terrorism – Supervisory Authority for the mining sector.
  • Environmental - Regulator (mining Amendment Regulations 3 of 2005); Reclamation mainstreaming; watershed management.
  • Amerindian - Facilitator, fiscal agent.
  • Natural Resources - Board of Directors of Guyana Gold Board, Guyana Forestry Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, Guyana Mining School and Training Centre Inc. Protected Area Commission, Closed Area Committee.
  • Others - Low Carbon Development Strategy, Climate Change, Special Land Use Committee; Amerindian Land Titling, Minamata Convention, Multistakeholder Steering Committee, Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI); National Security Council; Civil Defence Task Force; Border Matters.

 

Strategic Goals

Human Capital Development

To recruit, develop and retain talent through the provision of professional learning and growth opportunities throughout the Commission.

Good Finical Health

To substantially increase the annual revenue of the Commission from the last 5-years average, control cost without comprising on quality.

Effective Policy and Regulations

Ensure that the mining sector is in compliance with every mining legislation, anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism and proliferation financing legislation, standards and guidelines; and that Policies supporting the development of the sector and livelihoods impacted, are in place.

Improved Efficiency and Services

Populate with the rightly skilled people, and establish processes, technology and infrastructure to enhance the Commission’s productivity and reduce operational costs

Mineral Resource Inventory, Development, and Promotion

Optimal and sustainable utilization of traditional and non-traditional mineral resources in support of Guyana’s economic growth and development

Technology and Innovation

Innovative and Productive Usage of Technology, Research and Development to modernize and transform GGMC and the mineral sector into a knowledge-based, eco-friendly, strategic driver to the national economy

Environmental Security and Sustainability

Promote sound Environmental Management in Guyana’s Extractive Sector while ensuring the protection of people and the environment