4 more foreigners busted at illegal mining operation in Reg 8

– mining equipment, trucks & excavators seized

Days after five non-nationals, including Venezuelan nationals, were detained following the discovery of an illegal mining operation in the Potaro mining district, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), four more individuals were arrested nearby as law enforcement officers expanded their operations in the area. The Natural Resources Ministry in a release on Saturday stated that following an expansion of the sweep area, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s (GGMC) Corps of Wardens discovered additional miners, including four more non-nationals. They have since been detained. In addition, several excavators and trucks were discovered concealed in the surrounding jungle. Further, dredges, generators, water pumps, metal detectors and other mining equipment were also found and confiscated during the operation. On Thursday, several Venezuelans and other non-nationals were arrested at the illegal mining operation thus resulting in the seizure of several pieces of mining equipment and a quantity of gold.

An investigation, comprising GGMC’s Corps of Wardens and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has been launched. “The Ministry reiterates that there will be no tolerance for illegal mining. All miners and other stakeholders are reminded that they are required to obtain the necessary permissions and ensure their operations comply fully with Guyana’s mining and environmental laws,” the Ministry of Natural Resources stated in a release. Further, the Ministry, through the GGMC and in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, will continue surveillance and enforcement activities across all mining districts. Only a few weeks ago, five Brazilians and one Chinese national were detained after they were found conducting unauthorised mining activities within one of Guyana’s mining districts. Authorities found the individuals operating an underground mining operation through a shaft without the required approval.