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Govt. cracks down on illegal mining operations
(Kaieteur News) – The Government of Guyana has officially launched its zero-tolerance policy against mining operations failing to meet statutory obligations.
An operation led by the Ministry of Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF), has resulted in the dismantling of several unlawful mining operations operating without the necessary statutory instruments.
In a release on Thursday, the ministry said authorities have seized a number of operations, detained minerals, and initiated legal proceedings against the offenders.
The seized gold
The ministry noted that this crackdown is just the beginning, with plans to extend enforcement nationwide to address illegal and illicit activities within the small- and medium-scale gold mining sector.
“We are committed to safeguarding our natural resources and ensuring that all mining operations adhere to the laws of the land,” stated Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat. “This zero-tolerance approach is essential for promoting a fair and sustainable mining industry in Guyana.”
The Ministry of Natural Resources has urged all miners to comply with statutory obligations and operate within the legal framework to avoid severe penalties.The ministry said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to enforcing compliance and ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources.
The unlawful operations that were dismantled
President Irfaan Ali issued a directive for authorities to take decisive action against operations lacking the necessary licenses and approvals from the Commissioner to operate.
President Ali had explained that the assessment will review every mining license, claim, and operational decision, with firm action to follow where miners fail to declare production or hold lands without productive use.
The head of state also announced that gold declarations will now be linked to mercury purchases to reduce under-declaration, environmental harm, and illegal activities in the industry. “We are going to link the mercury they buy with their declarations. If they have land that they are working on and there is no declaration, those lands will be repossessed,” the president stated.
He stressed that environmental destruction without production will not be tolerated. “There is no sense destroying the environment if there is no production,” President Ali added.
President Ali had given foreign gold miners, particularly Brazilian nationals, who have had low to zero declarations, 24-hours to fully comply with local laws and the requirements surrounding gold declaration days later, GGMC suspended mining operations of 107 Brazilians. The suspension is to remain in force pending the affected persons’ engagement with, and compliance to the satisfaction GGMC.
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