GGMC shuts down 6 illegal mining operations in Mazaruni area

• 38 arrested, equipment seized

As part of its continued crackdown on illegal mining, the Natural Resources Ministry through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), on Tuesday shut down six illegal operations within the Mazaruni Mining District in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

According to the ministry in a statement on Tuesday, the enforcement action followed reports of unlawful mining activities in the area and was executed through a joint operation involving the GGMC Corps of Wardens and the Guyana Police Force.

“The six illegal mining sites were operating within a quarry area, leading to the arrest of 38 people. Several pieces of equipment and machinery used to support the unlawful activities were also seized,” the release added. Surveillance measures have since been established in the area to monitor activities and prevent any resurgence of illegal operations.

The Ministry reiterated that illegal mining will not be tolerated under any circumstance. The Government of Guyana maintains a zero-tolerance policy on illegal mining and will continue to take decisive action to detect, disrupt and prosecute all unlawful activities in the sector.