In response to Guyana’s booming infrastructural development, the Ministry of Natural Resources is examining new areas for sandpit mining.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, said on Monday that there has been a significant increase in applications for sandpit mining along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

However, he stressed the need to consider alternative sites due to ongoing development in the area.

The Soesdyke-Linden Highway is set for massive development including the construction of the new Silica City, where the first 100 young professional homes are being built.

Plantation York along the highway has also been identified for new housing developments.

Additionally, a multi-million regional food hub is being developed to position Guyana as a regional trade, transportation, and logistics center between Roraima, Brazil, South America, and the Caribbean.

“And so, we are looking at other areas. So, it means now we may have to change the approach to sand mining. Rather than trucking, some people may have to invest in barging sand down the river, which I must add, is far more feasible, far more profitable,” the minister said.

Minister Bharrat also reminded persons with agriculture leases along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway that mining can only be done in those areas if no objection is granted by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.

Only then can the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) issue a mining permit. This is also the procedure for those seeking to operate a sawmill on the highway.