GGMC says no large-scale gold smuggling at Marudi Mining District

Apr 10, 2026 News

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(Kaieteur News) – Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Newell Dennison, has come out to dismiss claims of large-scale gold smuggling at the Marudi Mining District in Region Nine.

In a video statement issued on Wednesday night, Dennison said he was obligated to address growing public discourse surrounding the Marudi Gold Project, particularly at Mazoa Hill in the South Rupununi, and asserted that claims of large-scale gold smuggling are unfounded and lack technical credibility.

Dennison explained that the Marudi area, including Mazoa Hill and surrounding locations have been under mining interest for years and have operated under a licence since 2012. However, he shared that earlier efforts to develop the resource were hampered by poor administration, unsafe practices, and criminal activity.

According to the GGMC head, stability has only been achieved in recent years through collaboration among stakeholders, including the Ministry of Natural Resources, the communities and local miners. He said the project is now being operated under a special mining permit arrangement involving an association of approximately 40 Rupununi miners.

In November 2021, an agreement was signed between the Rupununi Miners Association (RMA), Aurous and Romanex with GGMC as the regulator to resume mining operations by small-scale miners.  The RMA comprises two medium-scale operators and 38 small-scale miners. The Special Mining Permit (SMP) issued to miners under the 2021 agreement is restricted to 40 miners once registered with RMA.

In late March, APNU Members of Parliament complained about being denied entry to the Marudi mining district. The delegation including Dr. Terrence Campbell, Sharma Solomon, Saiku Andrews and Sherod Duncan, reported that entry into the Marudi Settlement was prevented by GGMC.

They contend that the move hindered their ability to carry out their parliamentary duties and engage constituents. The MPs said the barrier to the settlement was initially open but was later closed and padlocked by authorities, effectively blocking the team from accessing the community. APNU had criticised the GGMC’s decision to deny entry to elected officials, noting that it raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the mining district.

Addressing concerns over restricted access to the mining area, Dennison maintained that such measures are standard practice across the extractive sector and are necessary for safety, security, and regulatory compliance.

“In order to ensure that mining is conducted in compliance with mining regulations and that safety and security prevail, access to this mining project area is restricted. There should be nothing controversial about the restricted access,” he said.

He further clarified that the restrictions are not targeted at any individual or group. Dennison continued, “Requests from several interests have been treated in similar fashion, especially where there is no relevant reason to have access, such as financial, technical or operational involvement.”

However, suggested that officials by a parliamentary sub committee for natural resources would be accommodated through established protocols.

Further, Commissioner Dennison also rejected claims that millions of U.S. dollars in gold are being smuggled daily from the district.

“It is important to share that the narrative about gold smuggling from the project site has no merit. The Guyana Gold Board is embedded at the project site exactly for the purpose of mitigating that risk and curbing any material illicit movement of gold,” he said.

Following their visit, the MPs raised alarm over what they described as the daily outflow of millions of U.S. dollars in gold from the Marudi mining district, Region Nine, citing reports from residents.

While at the location, Dr. Campbell said residents provided troubling accounts of large-scale gold extraction allegedly taking place in the area. It was alleged that persons who own the mining rights in the area have engaged the Brazilians to mine for gold. “What I want to come back to share is that in speaking with one of the residents in this neighbourhood here, who briefed us on the fact that U.S. $5 million dollars in gold per day, is leaving smuggled out to this country. But he didn’t want us to take his picture…” he said.

Dennison argued that such figures are not feasible when assessed against mining realities.

“Relevant to the narrative of smuggling in the proportions alleged, I reckon that any student of mining should be able to calculate and demonstrate that what is being portrayed cannot be sustainable, nor is it viable, and it would require movement of material, processing of same and grades of ore that would be exceptional indeed,” he stated.

He added that all gold extracted at the site must be declared to the Guyana Gold Board, which maintains a presence in the area to monitor production and ensure compliance. “I look forward, therefore, for commentators, especially those with influence, to be responsible with the narratives at a minimum, seek to be properly informed rather than subscribe to convenient hearsay from unverified sources and or avoided unjustified shaming of dedicated, responsible officers who are performing difficult tasks to the best that the situation and conditions allow,” Dennison said.

APNU’s visit to the Marudi mining district came on the heels of concerns raised over the presence of a convicted Brazilian miner operating there.

In fact, during a meeting convened on March 14 by the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) and key stakeholders including GGMC, the issue of Brazilian miners in the Rupununi, particularly Rodrigo Martins de Mello, also known as Rodrigo Cataratas was spotlighted and assurance was given that the miner is no longer operating in the area. The concerns were heightened by social media images showing Cataratas, in the company of senior government officials here.

While the opposition MPs had reported that residents are fearful and reluctant to speak openly, with claims of threats and unchecked foreign involvement in mining operations, Dennison stressed that the GGMC takes allegations of smuggling seriously and urged anyone with credible information to report it to the relevant authorities.

To this end, he pointed to improvements in the district over the past three years, citing positive economic and social impacts arising from the structured operation of the Marudi project. “The Ministry of Natural Resources and GGMC have worked over the recent years to improve the circumstances of those in the south Rupununi district,” Dennison said.

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• GGMC, gold smuggling, Marudi, Mining District, Newell Dennison

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