GGMC seizes 15 mining equipment in bid to clamp down on illegal waste disposal at Walabaka

May 10, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – More than 15 pieces of mining equipment were seized on Friday by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) as the organisation intensifies its efforts to clamp down on illegal waste disposal at Walabaka Four Miles area in Mining District #5.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the seized equipment includes engines, excavators and pumps.

The ministry said that enforcement action has been taken to address the illegal discharge of tailings which are waste materials by errant miners in the area. There have been concerns stemming since 2024 about the Walabaka Basin due to high turbidity, which is commonly referred to as muddy water, as a result of mining activity in the area.

“Over the past several months, the Mines Technical and Environmental Departments of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) have been working with operators to improve the containment of tailings and prevent the release of sediment-laden water into nearby waterways.

GGMC seizes 15 mining equipment in bid to clamp down on illegal waste disposal at Walabaka

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

Despite these interventions, some errant miners continued to directly discharge tailings and release turbid water from holding ponds into the Walabaka Creek. This has had a direct impact on Pump Creek, where the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) pumps water for treatment and distribution to residents of Port Kaituma,” the ministry said.

On April 15, subject minister Vickram Bharrat and the Housing Minister Collin Croal, visited the area and issued stern warnings to the miners, whose actions were contributing to the pollution. A two-week time span was given to fix issues and bring operations into compliance. They were also advised that if they failed to take the necessary corrective measures, consequences will follow.

Despite repeated cautions, the ministry said that the reckless waste disposal continued, resulting in hundreds of residents in Port Kaituma being affected by the inability of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) to supply water due to the high levels of sediment in the water, caused by irresponsible miners.

To remedy the situation, an enforcement team from GGMC, that was supported by members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) was deployed to Walabaka on May 4, 2026. Since their arrival, the necessary enforcement actions were taken to rectify the situation.

“This enforcement exercise remains ongoing. The Ministry of Natural Resources wishes to make it clear that while mining remains an important pillar of Guyana’s economy, it must be conducted responsibly and in full compliance with the law. Operators are required to take all necessary steps to prevent environmental damage, protect water sources and safeguard the health and wellbeing of communities,” the ministry said.

Additionally, through the GGMC the ministry will continue to monitor the Walabaka drainage basin and additional mining areas across the country to ensure compliance with environmental and mining regulations. Operators who continue to act in disregard of the law will be held accountable.

The ministry also assured the residents of Port Kaituma, and the surrounding communities that their concerns are being treated with urgency, as the government remains committed to ensuring that mining developments do not come at the expense of the public’s health, environmental protection and clean water.

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GGMC, illegal waste disposal, Mining equipment, Walabaka

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