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Rupununi miners reject claims of foreign-controlled illegal operations in Marudi
(Kaieteur News) – Chairman of the Rupununi Miners Association (RMA), Romel McKenzie in a statement on Thursday night dismissed what he labelled as “misleading and politically motivated” allegations regarding mining activities in the Marudi Mountains, Region Nine.
He stressed that miners operating there continue to operate within the law. McKenzie also rejected allegations of foreign interference and illicit activities in the region, stating “Allegations of widespread foreign control, illegal airstrips, and gold smuggling are unsubstantiated.”
Mining at Mazoa
He argued that these claims are intended to damage the reputation of local miners and the association. McKenzie underscored that the association does not support any such practices and challenged accusers to substantiate their claims with evidence. He urged stakeholders, including government, opposition and civil society, to engage responsibly on the issue. McKenzie further noted that the association supports transparent investigations conducted in good faith but warned against the politicisation.
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.
Mining at the Marudi area recently came back into the spotlight, after senior government officials here were photographed with a convicted Brazilian miner, Rodrigo Martins de Mello, also known as Rodrigo Cataratas. According to a February 12, 2026 report by Mongabay, a Brazilian federal court sentenced Mello/ Cataratas to more than 22 years in prison after finding him guilty of leading an illegal mining operation in the Yanomami Indigenous Territory in the Amazon Rainforest.
He was convicted on charges including leading a criminal organisation, money laundering, and illegal mining on protected indigenous land. The court also ordered him to pay more than 31.7 million reais (US$6.1 million) in damages for environmental destruction and harm caused to indigenous communities. Court documents cited by Mongabay indicate that Mello managed a fleet of at least 23 aircraft used to transport miners, fuel, and supplies into Indigenous lands, as well as to move extracted minerals.
Following the circulation of the photographs with Cataratas and Guyanese government officials, WIN and APNU had raised concerns.
During a meeting convened on March 14, by the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) and key stakeholders including the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), concerns raised over the presence of a convicted Brazilian miner operating there and assurance was given that the miner is no longer operating in the area.
Moreover, McKenzie added the association remains committed to advocating for lawful and responsible mining practices while safeguarding the livelihoods of miners and supporting development in the South Rupununi.
He further explained that despite administrative changes, mining operations remain ongoing under proper authorisation. “While administrative restructuring has taken place, the work of miners continues under legal permits and oversight. Suggesting otherwise is an attempt to sow confusion and discredit hardworking Rupununi miners,” McKenzie stated.
Moreover, addressing concerns over indigenous rights, he noted that the association remains committed to engagement and consultation with local communities. He also pointed to a recent outreach effort as evidence of ongoing dialogue, noting that on March 15, 2026, South Rupununi village leaders and representatives were invited to a stakeholder engagement session and guided tour of the mining site.
On Wednesday evening, Commissioner of the GGMC, Newell Dennison dismissed claims of large-scale gold smuggling at the Marudi Mining District. In late March, APNU Members of Parliament complained about being denied entry to the Marudi mining district by GGMC. The party had also disclosed that during the visit to the area, it received reports of US-millions in gold being smuggled out of Marudi Mining District daily. This allegation however, was dismissed by the GGMC Commissioner.
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