Gov’t announces 10% tax waiver on fuel for miners …will directly benefit between 12,000 and 15,000 persons

THE Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (MNRE), along with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), yesterday met with the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) after which it was announced that approval has been granted for a tariff waiver of 10 per cent, on diesel fuel imported by GGDMA Trading Inc. for use only within the mining sector.This is in addition to the fuel importation licence that was granted to the GGDMA Trading Inc. to allow for the cheaper importation of fuel.

The meeting yesterday discussed plans and initiatives for the mining sector in the coming year.
Following the meeting, Patrick Harding, President of the GGDMA, welcomed the reduction in taxes for the purchase of diesel fuel for use in the mining sector, which will only be available through the GGDMA.
According to the association’s representative, “It is expected that twelve to fifteen thousand persons directly involved in the sector will benefit from this intervention.”
The Ministry has already supported the request for the waiver of tariffs and duties on equipment and spares, and this was granted by the Government and implemented by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).
A list of 19 suppliers of mining equipment and spares was approved for tax waivers on the importation of the equipment.
This, according to the Natural Resources Ministry, will reduce the cost of spares and critical supplies for miners and is in addition to the items that are currently imported duty free, such as pumps, flexes, and matting, among others.
Following yesterday’s meeting, it was also reported that the Ministry and GGMC continue to undertake the rehabilitation of hinterland roads and infrastructure to ensure that mining lands are easily accessible.
“Discussions are continuously ongoing with regard to the maintenance of hinterland infrastructure, and ensuring that value for money expended is achieved,” the Ministry said.
To this end, a combination of approaches was undertaken and GGMC is currently reviewing feasible road designs and construction methods that can be adopted, bearing the constraint of financial resources in mind.
It was reported too that simultaneous efforts are being made to implement Road Users’ Agreement for specific heavily traversed roads that are prone to destruction, since it is recognised that heavy usage of the road in wet conditions lead to damage and require continuous rehabilitation at significant cost.
“More importantly, the expenditure of funds on hinterland infrastructure is as a result of a collaborative effort with the relevant ministries and the key stakeholder, GGDMA.”
It was observed that in 2014, GGDMA provided a list of hinterland infrastructure for rehabilitation that it deemed critical.
“These roads/bridges were rehabilitated and the same approach will be undertaken in 2015, whereby GGDMA will provide its considerable insight on areas for special focus,” the Ministry said.
It was agreed that a meeting will be held where the recommended roads and infrastructure to be rehabilitated and maintained in 2015 will be finalised by GGDMA and GGMC/MNRE.
Meanwhile, Natural Resources and the Environment Minister, Robert Persaud said despite the fluctuations in global gold price, the Government remains optimistic and will continue to engage and support miners to cushion the effects.
He also pointed out that his Ministry and the relevant agencies will further enhance its collaborative working relationship with the GGDMA and continue building on the achievements of 2014.