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Miners, claiming falling gold prices and rampant illegal activities in the sector, are calling on Government to implement a number of measures to ease growing challenges facing the industry.  These include a reduction of taxes on fuel and concessions on pickup vehicles being imported. The demands were made by a delegation of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) during a meeting with President Donald Ramotar on Thursday. Also there were Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud,Authentic Russell Westbrook Thunder Jersey, and Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh.The association said that it also asked for Government to seriously consider speeding up the process for work permits for foreigners and gun licences in light of the high incidence of crime in the interior.Miners want a number of concessions from government to ease hardship.Gold became the biggest foreign exchange earner for Guyana in the last couple of years as world prices rose and bankers bet their money on the shiny metal. But prices plunged this year to US$1,100 per ounce from a high of US$1,900 last year. On Thursday, prices were hovering around US$1,372.According to GGDMA – a grouping of some of the most powerful small and medium scale miners – the past 31 years has guided the industry from under 10,000 ounces of gold annually to a record of 438,645 ounces last year.This year, a massive 460,Taj Gibson Bulls Jersey,000 ounces, is expected to be the highest gold declaration, surpassing OMAI and local combined declaration in 2001 of 456, 000 ounces. So far, with four months left in the year,Isaiah Thomas Celtics Jersey, declarations are standing at 300,Authentic Nicolas Batum Hornets Jersey,000 ounces.Regarding the fuel subsidy, GGDMA is proposing that Government accept a five per cent rate on the excise tax charged. With fuel accounting for 25% – 30% cost of production, this would significantly reduce the overheads for operations.Making its case for a waiver of taxes on the importation of open-back 4x4s, GGDMA argued that currently, these are still being deemed as luxury items/vehicles and attract heavy import duties.“These vehicles are necessary for safe travel, over sometimes impassable roads, in the hinterlands of Guyana for miners, including female miners, as they transport rations, spares, and personnel to and from their work sites. The four-door vehicles will also provide an additional form of security to miners.”The mining body also said it is concerned about the lack of foreign currency at the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), which is affecting its capacity to buy spares and other items overseas.“GGDMA is requesting that miners be allowed (paid) up to 50% of the value of gold, sold to GGB, in foreign exchange. This facility has been in place for over 25 years and miners were allowed up to 100% facility on foreign exchange.”The association said that while previously it was paid in foreign currency,LeBron James Cavaliers Jersey, this changed in November 2011 when the GGB informed miners that there was none available.“GGDMA is urgently requesting that foreign exchange be made available to assist the small and medium scale miners, during this crisis of falling gold prices, for them to import much-needed spares and machinery, since some companies are taking advantage of the miners. Also,Tobias Harris Pistons Jersey, the availability of foreign currency has encouraged miners to sell their gold to GGB.”GGDMA also expressed concerns about security in the mining fields.“GGDMA is concerned about the increase in crime, violence, murders, illegal firearms, narcotics, trafficking in persons and other illegal activities in the mining communities. GGDMA has raised concerns about the time delay in getting approval for firearm licences, permits/approval for miners to establish their own security service, work permits for non-Guyanese.”The miners also asked the President and his administration to seriously consider the appointment of a Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).“GGMC needs a confirmed Commissioner to manage and give direction to the mining industry, especially the gold and diamond sector,Kemba Walker Hornets Jersey, in this critical time of falling gold prices, rampant illegal mining and the upsurge of criminal activities in the hinterland of Guyana. GGDMA supports the appointment of Commissioner (ag) Mr. Rickford Vieira.”Small and medium scale gold and diamond mining employs about 15,000 persons with up to 150,Avery Bradley Celtics Swingman Jersey,000 persons benefitting indirectly.According to GGDMA, several companies including MACORP, GenEquip and Associated Industries Limited (AINLIM) have been experiencing heavy sales of machinery and spares, with the airline companies also benefitting from increased traffic.The association also pointed to the numerous infrastructure developments in the interior, including roads, airstrips, bridges and landings, which have improved because of mining.Shops,Larry Bird USA Jersey, hotels, and other businesses have also emerged more prominently.“The development of Guyana’s hinterland is directly entwined with the development and prosperity of the mining industry, which provides opportunities for Guyanese,” the GGDMA stated.