Brazilian fined $7M for mining in Kaieteur Falls area

Aug 20, 2016 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News

A mining outfit which was caught in April operating in the Kaieteur National Park area has been fined $7M.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, this latest measure would show clearly that the administration, through its regulator, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), continues to demonstrate its seriousness about meting out the measure of the law to those bent on breaking it.
The ministry revealed the miner’s name as Ceso Alves De Alcantara, a national of Brazil.
He was fined after a raid by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the GGMC in the Kaieteur National Park Buffer area found equipment, including a dredge – No. 9827- and a Doosan excavator engine. The equipment was in operation, it was disclosed.
“The equipment was detained and charges were prepared against Mr Alcantara.”
According to the ministry, in discussions on August 4 and 5, the Brazilians indicated that he fully regretted the situation and that he was almost “ruined and has become ill” with worry since the situation unfolded.
“Mr Alcantara’s equipment is to be removed from the buffer area to Grass Falls with the understanding that there should be no future issue arising from his operation working near prohibited areas or without permission.”
The Ministry and the GGMC said that they believe that this action sends a strong signal that there is a zero tolerance approach towards mining in protected areas and outside of the law and that stern action can and will be taken against those found doing so.
GGMC, as regulator, has been facing increasing challenges, because of rough terrain and manpower, to stem illegal mining in Guyana’s gold fields.
Kaieteur National Park is home to one of the most famous waterfalls in the world and protected.
There are hundreds of Brazilian miners working in the hinterland.

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