Four mining licences were granted on Amerindian titled lands between 2023 and 2024, including two prospecting licences covering rare earth elements and radioactive minerals, according to information published by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).
The Commission's November 2 disclosure identifies licences issued on lands belonging to Batavia, Kangaruma and Tassarene, with the required community agreements received before each licence was granted.
Two of the licences cover quarrying and aggregate-related activities on Batavia titled land, while the other two allow prospecting for rare earth elements and radioactive minerals on lands belonging to Kangaruma and Tassarene.
Demerara Quarry Inc. received a quarry licence for quarriable materials on Batavia titled land on April 26, 2024.
EKAA HRIM Earth Resources Management Inc. was granted a mining licence covering aggregates and dimension stones on the same titled land on April 20, 2023.
Meanwhile, Laurentian Mountain Resources (Guyana) Inc. received two prospecting licences on April 6, 2023. One covers rare earth elements and radioactive minerals on Kangaruma titled land, while the other covers the same mineral categories on Tassarene titled land.
The disclosure forms part of the GGMC's information on community consultation and free, prior and informed consent (FPIC), which is required under the framework governing mining activities on Amerindian titled lands.
The GGMC said the required community agreements were received for all four licences and confirmed that none was issued without an agreement being submitted.
Under section 48 of the Amerindian Act 2006, negotiations between mining applicants and affected communities are conducted by the applicant and the relevant Village Council, under the auspices of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.
The Commission explained that its role is limited to facilitating consultations and overseeing the relevant licensing process. It does not participate in negotiations between companies and Village Councils.
The agreements are intended to ensure that communities are consulted and have an opportunity to negotiate the terms under which mining activities may take place on their titled lands.
The GGMC also noted that the process includes public notification of the intention to grant a mineral tenure in the Official Gazette, followed by a 21-day period during which members of the public and other interested parties can raise concerns or objections.
The four licences highlight the range of mineral-related activities taking place on Amerindian titled lands, from quarrying and aggregate extraction to prospecting for minerals that are attracting growing international interest.
Rare earth elements are used in several industries, including electronics, renewable energy technologies and advanced manufacturing, making their exploration an area of interest for countries seeking to diversify mineral supply chains.
.png)
