The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has welcomed the 2026 National Budget. “The Association applauds the Government of Guyana for its continued commitment to the mining sector, particularly through measures aimed at lowering operating costs, encouraging production, and advancing the modernization of the industry”, a release from the association said on Tuesday. The release cited the “strong” performance and resilience of the mining sector in 2025, during which gold production grew by an estimated 11.6 per cent, with total declarations reaching 484,321 ounces. And while it acknowledged that the majority of this growth was driven largely by a 15.5 per cent increase in declarations from large-scale operators, it emphasised that there was a significant 45.6 per cent rise in declarations to the Guyana Gold Board. It also recognised that improved declarations have been supported by strengthened compliance and enforcement which will help ensure the sector maintains its position as a major contributor to national development.