Guyana Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in guyana, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Mining and Minerals Sector
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Known historically as “El Dorado” for its gold, Guyana also exports bauxite and diamonds and manganese. Guyana’s mineral heritage includes deposits of semi-precious stones, kaolin, silica sand, soapstone, kyanite, feldspar, mica, ilmenite, laterite, manganese radioactive minerals, copper, lithium, molybdenum, tungsten, iron, and nickel, among others. The government is currently conducting an aerial mineral mapping exercise across the non-indigenous regions of Guyana.

Sub-sector Best Prospect

Large Scale Gold and Bauxite Mining 

There are ongoing efforts to transition operations to mercury-free mining with Conservation International, executed jointly by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association. Health, safety, and security concerns are key hurdles facing potential investors.  Guyana’s gold royalty stands at 8 percent and corporate entities are taxed at either 40 or 25 percent. Applications for prospecting and mining licenses must be sent to the GGMC. With an approved mining license investors are allowed free importation of equipment, supplies and materials to be used for gold production. The Office of the Presidency has oversight of Guyana’s natural resources. 

Opportunities 

Opportunities within the mining sector in Guyana include prospecting, sales of affordable mining equipment, and value-added processing, especially if electricity prices decline and liquid natural gas becomes readily available. The country does not have an aluminum smelting facility. China’s Bosai Mining Group plans a $470 million investment to build an aluminum refinery, but the government remains open to other U.S. firms. The government is working to improve standards and the ability to identify mineral deposits

 

Table: Leading Mining Categories

Commodity

2022

2023

2024

Bauxite (tons)

705,631

523,742

1,722,350

Gold (oz)

486,415

432,113

434,067

Diamond (mt. ct)

83,614

67,444

55,971

Stone (tons)

935,078

1,851,132

3,338,760

Source: Bank of Guyana 2024, Selected Indicators Mining and Quarrying Production

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