Guyana's gold declarations increased by 11.3% during the first half of 2026, but the growth came from small- and medium-scale miners rather than the country's lone large-scale producer.
A total of 232,287 troy ounces of gold was declared during the first six months of the year, according to the Ministry of Finance's Mid-Year Report.
Small- and medium-scale declarants accounted for the increase.
Their declarations rose from 137,441 troy ounces in the first half of 2025 to 162,182 troy ounces during the same period this year—a gain of 24,741 troy ounces.
By contrast, declarations from the lone large-scale producer fell marginally, from 71,316 troy ounces in the first half of 2025 to 70,105 troy ounces this year.
The increase in output from small- and medium-scale miners therefore more than offset the decline at the large-scale operation.
The figures are notable because the increase in gold declarations came during a period of exceptionally strong international gold prices.
Gold averaged US$4,694.20 per troy ounce during the first half of 2026, according to the report, representing a 52.5% increase over the average recorded during the first half of 2025.
The price environment provided a significantly stronger backdrop for gold producers, while Guyana's gold export earnings also increased.
Gold exports rose by US$269.8 million to US$826.2 million during the first half, contributing to a 24.6% increase in the country's non-oil exports.
The gold figures therefore show two different developments: the price of the commodity increased sharply, while the physical declarations growth was concentrated among smaller and medium-scale producers.
The Ministry has maintained its full-year gold production projection at 510,450 troy ounces, representing projected growth of 5.4%.
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