Guyana

Guyana joined the growing ranks of South American gold producers in 1993 with the start-up of the Omai open-pit on the banks of the Rio Essiquibo. The mine is operated by Cambior, the Canadian mining company and produces around 10 tonnes (0.32 m oz) annually. In addition, there is a relatively high level of informal gold mining activity in the country. GFMS estimated that total gold production in Guyana was 14 tonnes (0.46 million oz) in 2001.