Miner wants probe into GGMC’s handling of Reg. 7 mining property saga

Oct 20, 2025 News

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(Kaieteur News) – A medium-scale miner is accusing the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) of breaching multiple mining regulations and ignoring decisions in favour of his operations on a plot of land next-door to a prominent gold magnate in the Toroparu Backdam, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The mining property is owned by Wallace Daniels, the uncle of Marvis Halliman who has power of attorney.

The issue dates back to December 2012, when Daniels discovered a strip of unclaimed land located near property owned by the Alphonso family, well-known players in the local gold industry. After confirming the land was available, Daniels applied to the GGMC and was granted the claim with no legal challenges or objections at the time.

Notably, the Alphonso’s own river claims filed for in 2009, covering 34 claims along the Puruni River, one mile upstream and 300-feet inland on both sides, while Daniels’ application, was for the 300-feet north and south of the river, adjacent to the Alphonso property. A tribunal chaired by Magistrate Allan Wilson heard the matter and in May 2024, ruled in Daniels’ favour, stating that Daniels’ actions were neither injurious to Alphonso nor illegal. However, the mining property became the center of legal battles and threats.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Halliman called for immediate ministerial intervention into the conduct of GGMC.

The miner said that for months, his operations have been facing injustice from GGMC over the mining property located on the left bank of the Mazaruni River, Toroparu Mining Area, in Mining District #3.

He stated, “Even after Magistrate Allan Wilson gave a final decision in favour of Mr. Daniels, GGMC has refused to enforce that ruling. Instead, they have turned around and issued an ‘order to remove’ dated October 16, 2025, falsely claiming that we violated Regulation 98, with no evidence whatsoever.”

Halliman noted that Regulation 95 of the Mining Regulations (Cap. 65:01) says that once a decision or order is made by the commissioner or a magistrate, it must be enforced immediately, even if someone plans to appeal, unless the high court orders otherwise. He pointed out that GGMC did not appeal the magistrate’s ruling and must therefore comply with it.

He contended, “It is not Mr. Daniels who breached Regulation 98, it is GGMC who breached Regulations 95, 97, and 98 by ignoring a lawful magistrate’s decision, failing to enforce that decision as required by law, acting unlawfully by issuing a removal order without evidence, and showing clear bias in favour of another miner…”

The miner alleged that the situation represents “a clear case of administrative bias and corruption within the system.”

Halliman said, “GGMC officers have ignored the constitution, which protects property rights under Article 142; disobeyed a court ruling; tried to use their authority to pressure Mr. Daniels off his lawful claim.”

He noted that these actions serve to benefit others, while violating Daniels’ rights.  As such, Halliman is demanding, “Immediate ministerial intervention into GGMC’s conduct; Withdrawal of the unlawful order to remove dated October 16, 2025; Full enforcement of Magistrate Allan Wilson’s decision; Investigation and disciplinary action against the officers involved; and compensation for any loss or damage caused by GGMC’s illegal actions.”

Further he noted, “This situation is not just about one miner, it’s about fairness, accountability, and the rule of law in Guyana’s mining sector. When a state agency can ignore the law and the courts, every miner and citizen is at risk. GGMC must be held accountable. Justice must prevail for Mr. Wallace E. Daniels and for every miner who believes in the rule of law.”

This publication had reported that GGMC served Halliman a removal order, accusing him or persons acting under his direction of disrupting the peace in contravention of the mining act.

He shared a copy of the letter dated October 16, 2025, issued by Mines Officer Alvin Graham and witnessed by GGMC Commissioner Newell Dennison, Deputy Commissioner Jimmy Reece, and Manager of Mines Quincy Thom.

“It has been observed and confirmed by the Mines Officer for the said district that you, or persons acting under your direction, have engaged in conduct contrary to the provisions of the mining act and the regulations thereunder, thereby disrupting the peace and orders issued previously,” the letter stated.

It further cites regulation 154 of the mining regulations which empowers a mines officer to remove, or cause to be removed, any person unlawfully occupying, or whose conduct is, “prejudicial to good order or proper working, from any claim, licence, or location within his jurisdiction.”

The letter outlined that regulation 98 of the mining regulations provides for the protection of peace and good order within mining districts and authorises the mines officer to act in any situation likely to disturb or endanger the peace.

It was noted too that Halliman was previously served directing him to, “cease unlawful operations, vacate disputed area, desist from interference, and you have failed and/or neglected to comply with same.”

The letter further orders Halliman to remove all equipment and personnel from the claim within 72 hours or face forfeiture and possible legal action.

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• GGMC, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Marvis Halliman, miner, mining property

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