Sixteen charged for breaching Mining Act in March

Apr 01, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – As part of the Government of Guyana ongoing crackdown on illegal mining, 16 gold miners were hauled before the courts in March on various charges under the Mining Act.

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, nine of the miners were charged with the offence of operating without a permit or licence; two were charged with operating an unregistered dredge; five were charged with having a licensed dredge on a property without permission.

They all pleaded guilty and were ordered to pay various fines.

The gold miners were brought before the Bartica and Mahdia Magistrate’s Courts, corresponding to the locations where the ministry’s Corps of Wardens uncovered their operations.

“As robust surveillance continues across all mining districts, the ministry wishes to remind stakeholders that those found in breach of Guyana’s mining laws and regulations will be dealt with without fear or favour,” the ministry said.

It further reminded that illegal mining not only drives environmental degradation while threatening public health and safety, but also undermines sustainable mining practices.

MNR further appealed to all operators to work with the relevant regulatory agencies by ensuring full compliance with the rule of law.

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Illegal mining, Mining Act, mining permit, natural resources

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