(Kaieteur News) – Six persons, including a Chinese national and five Brazilians were arrested on Thursday for illegal mining in one of Guyana’s mining districts.

The Ministry of Natural Resources said Friday that the individuals were found operating an underground mining operation through a shaft without the required approval. The illegal miners were detained through the joint efforts of the GGMC Corps of Wardens and the Guyana Police Force. The illegal miners are currently in police custody.

The ministry reminded industry players that all mining districts across Guyana remain under surveillance. This, it said, is part of ongoing efforts to detect and curb illegal mining operations.