Opposition Leader slams GGMC’s inaction over incursion on mining lands

Jun 21, 2026 News

…decries ‘Double Standard’ in sector

(Kaieteur News) – The Office of the Leader of the Opposition has expressed alarm over the mobilisation of large-scale mining equipment by Alphonso Mining, on lands associated with his quarry operations in the Mazaruni, Region Seven.

The Opposition Leader has also accused State authorities of a “glaring double standard”, alleging that regulatory agencies have failed to act against powerful operators despite formal reports being lodged with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

In a statement, the Opposition Leader contrasted the current situation with a multi-agency task force operation deployed weeks ago against small-scale and Indigenous miners in the Mazaruni. That operation, which involved the GGMC, the Guyana Police Force (GPF), and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), resulted in swift arrests, detentions, and the seizure of equipment.

“Today, however, when allegations arise involving powerful operators allegedly encroaching on lands associated with the Leader of the Opposition, the same authorities appear unwilling to act,” the Opposition statement asserted. The office argued that this inaction raises concerns that State institutions are being weaponised against political opponents while others operate with impunity.

The Opposition further highlighted concerns raised by local residents regarding potential waterway pollution, environmental degradation, and threats to nearby farming activities, demanding immediate disclosure from the GGMC, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Ministry of Natural Resources regarding any ongoing investigations.

Alphonso Mining Rejects ‘Malicious’ Claims

However, Alphonso Mining hit back swiftly, strongly rejecting what it described as “false and deliberately damaging statements” shared via social media channels connected to the Opposition Leader. The company announced that it is preparing swift legal action against the individuals responsible for the posts, citing a malicious intent to create an impression of impropriety.

Setting out its legal framework for the operations, Alphonso Mining clarified that Alfro Alphonso & Sons legally acquired the subsurface rights to the gold and diamonds within the disputed lands during an open, competitive public auction in 2014. The company stated it has maintained and paid for these legal rights for the past 12 years.

According to the mining firm, the surface quarry licence subsequently granted to Hadi’s World did not extinguish the pre-existing subsurface mining rights held by Alfro Alphonso and Sons.

Addressing the previous enforcement actions raised by the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, Alphonso Mining noted that the GGMC had indeed halted illegal mining activities on the land a few weeks ago. The company turned the criticism back on the Opposition Leader, questioning what steps he had taken to prevent or halt the initial unauthorised incursions on the property.

Alphonso Mining has countered all claims while calling on the GGMC and relevant State authorities to launch a thorough investigation into who supported, funded, or facilitated the initial illegal raiding parties, and who purchased the gold unlawfully extracted from the location.

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Alphonso Mining, Azurddin Mohamed, GGMC, Leader of the Opposition, Mazaruni, mining lands

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