Five non-nationals, including Venezuelans, have been detained following the discovery of an illegal mining operation in the Potaro mining district, a release from the Natural Resources Ministry said.
The detentions were made by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) as part of the ministry’s ongoing campaign against illegal mining, the release said.
Several pieces of mining equipment and a quantity of gold were seized during the operation, with investigations being conducted jointly by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s (GGMC) Corps of Wardens and the GPF, the release said.
The ministry reiterated that there will be no tolerance for illegal mining, reminding miners and other stakeholders that they are required to obtain the necessary permissions and ensure their operations comply fully with Guyana’s mining and environmental laws.
The ministry, through the GGMC and in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, will continue surveillance and enforcement activities across all mining districts, with those found operating outside the law to face the full consequences, the release said.
All non-nationals previously found in illegal mining activities are being deported, the release said.
