Guyana’s mining sector has seen an increase in Indigenous participation and ownership.

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat said more Indigenous communities are actively investing in mining operations and managing their own resources.

He explained that in the past agriculture was their main activity but now their involvement in gold mining is not only economically beneficial but also a sign of development and diversification.

Minister Bharrat said that some villages have opened their lands to outside miner but this is done under strict oversight.

Before any external miner can operate on Indigenous land, approval must first be granted by the respective Village Council, followed by permission from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission.