Six non-nationals, including Brazilians and one Chinese national, were detained on Thursday after they were found conducting unauthorised mining activities within one of the mining districts, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) said.
Authorities found the individuals operating an underground mining operation through a shaft without the required approval.
The illegal miners were detained through the joint efforts of the GGMC Corps of Wardens and the Guyana Police Force, and are currently in police custody as investigations continue.
The Ministry of Natural Resources reminded industry players that all mining districts across the country remain under surveillance as part of ongoing efforts to detect and curb illegal mining operations.
Any individual, Guyanese or foreign, found conducting mining activities in breach of Guyana’s laws and regulations will face the full force of the law, the ministry said.
The ministry also reminded all miners and operators that they must secure the required licences, permissions and regulatory approvals before commencing any mining activity, adding that compliance with the country’s mining laws is mandatory and violations will be dealt with accordingly.
