The Government of Guyana today officially launched its national mineral mapping programme at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, a move described as a transformative step for the country’s mining sector.
The initiative is led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), with technical support from United States-based Global Venture Consulting under a contract valued at around US$1.8 million.
Speaking at the launch, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat highlighted the need to modernize the country’s mineral data, which has not been comprehensively updated for decades.
“It is important and necessary that we start the mineral inventory process in Guyana this year,” Minister Bharrat said. “The maps and datasets generated will give both small-scale and larger investors the tools they need to identify opportunities while lowering upfront exploration costs.”
The programme will focus on gold and other commercially important minerals while assessing Guyana’s potential for critical minerals, including lithium.
Officials said the process will combine geochemical sampling, airborne and ground-based geophysical surveys, and digital integration to produce detailed mineral occurrence maps for priority districts.
A key component of the programme is local capacity building.
Global Venture Consulting has begun training GGMC staff in advanced geochemical and geophysical techniques, ensuring that Guyanese experts will eventually take full ownership of the mapping programme.
Once the contracted phase ends, the GGMC is expected to continue mapping and maintain updated datasets.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, citing benefits such as clearer exploration guidance, improved permitting processes, and reduced investment risks. Environmental advocates have called for transparency in methodology and access to the data, emphasizing safeguards in ecologically sensitive areas.
Government officials said the programme will align with broader land-use and environmental management strategies, supporting economic growth while prioritizing sustainability.
Field surveys and sample collection are set to begin immediately, with interim maps to be released as data is validated.
Officials described the programme as the start of a multi-year effort to reshape Guyana’s mining landscape and strengthen the country’s position as a responsible destination for mineral investment.
The last comprehensive mineral mapping in Guyana was conducted decades ago.
