Four more foreigners arrested in Potaro illegal mining crackdown

(Kaieteur News) – Four more non-nationals have been arrested and a cache of mining equipment seized as authorities widen their crackdown on illegal mining operations in the Potaro Mining District.

The Ministry of Natural Resources said on Saturday that after an illegal mining operation in the Potaro Mining District had been dismantled, resulting in the detention of five non-nationals, an extended sweep of the area was conducted by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s (GGMC) Corps of Wardens. These officers discovered additional miners, including four more non-nationals, along with excavators and trucks that had been concealed in the surrounding jungle. Dredges, generators, water pumps, metal detectors and other mining equipment were also seized.

The foreigners have been detained by the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The Ministry said it will continue surveillance and enforcement activities across all mining districts through the GGMC in collaboration with law enforcement agencies.