Following concerns raised about the proposed Yarrowkabra sand mining project spearheaded by Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Anthony Hicken, and Deputy Commissioner, Calvin Brutus; Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo made it unequivocally clear that “It’s not gonna happen”.
Speaking at his press conference today, Jagdeo outlined that amidst mounting concerns and speculation surrounding the project, it will not go forth for several reasons. He started by emphasizing the government’s broader vision of utilizing land for public housing and the development of new towns along the Linden-Soesdyke highway, a plan that necessitates careful management of land resources.
“The Government of Guyana—on the highway has put a hold on all the sand pits,” he noted, citing that this crackdown will indeed pave way for more housing.
Furthermore, the Vice President referred to sand mining as a lucrative business now being pursued by many as sand prices are on the rise. “We have noticed that people who have sand pits were jacking up the prices,” he noted.
To remedy these escalating prices by existing sand pit operators, Jagdeo emphasized the government’s intention to open up more public sand pits to mitigate the economic burden on consumers. “We’re not giving permission for no sand pit at this time,” he asserted, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring fair pricing and accessibility of sand resources.
He revealed that some operators fail to honour their agreements noting, “And a lot of people who have the sand pits they undermine, they come close to the road(s). They do all sorts of things.”
Referring specifically to the proposal submitted by Hicken and Brutus to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Jagdeo clarified that while individuals may be allotted land for agricultural purposes, the government will not entertain mining activities in the designated areas.
The project, which carries an estimated cost of US$104,000 and aims to extract silica sand on a commercial scale, had drawn scrutiny amid concerns over environmental impact and resource management. With silica sand serving as a vital material in various industries, including glassmaking and road construction, the project’s proponents had highlighted its potential to meet the growing demand for sand in Guyana’s burgeoning economy.
Further emphasizing the government’s challenge of balancing economic opportunities with environmental conservation and public welfare, Jagdeo said approximately 200 applications for sand pits have already been submitted to the government. However, he indicated that all—if not the majority will not be seeing approval.
