Five foreign nationals detained in Guyana illegal mining operation
Key Points(5)
- Five foreign nationals, including Venezuelans, have been detained after authorities uncovered an illegal mining operation in Guyana’s Potaro mining district.
- The Ministry of Natural Resources said Thursday that the five were detained by the Guyana Police Force as part of the government’s ongoing crackdown on illegal mining.
- Several pieces of mining equipment and a quantity of gold were also seized during the operation, according to the ministry.
- The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s Corps of Wardens and the Guyana Police Force are conducting a joint investigation into the operation.
- Authorities did not immediately disclose the identities or nationalities of all five people detained or the amount of gold seized.
Five foreign nationals, including Venezuelans, have been detained after authorities uncovered an illegal mining operation in Guyana’s Potaro mining district.
The Ministry of Natural Resources said Thursday that the five were detained by the Guyana Police Force as part of the government’s ongoing crackdown on illegal mining.
Several pieces of mining equipment and a quantity of gold were also seized during the operation, according to the ministry.
The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s Corps of Wardens and the Guyana Police Force are conducting a joint investigation into the operation. Authorities did not immediately disclose the identities or nationalities of all five people detained or the amount of gold seized.
The Ministry of Natural Resources said it maintains a zero-tolerance approach to illegal mining and reminded miners and other stakeholders that they must obtain the necessary permits and comply with the country’s mining and environmental laws.
“The ministry reiterates that there will be no tolerance for illegal mining,” it said.
The ministry said the GGMC, working with law enforcement agencies, will continue surveillance and enforcement operations across Guyana’s mining districts.
“Those found operating outside the law will face the full consequences,” the ministry warned.
Authorities also said foreign nationals previously found participating in illegal mining operations are being deported.
Guyana’s mining sector, particularly its gold industry, is an important part of the country’s economy, with mining operations taking place across several interior regions. The government has continued efforts to ensure miners comply with licensing and environmental requirements as authorities target unauthorized operations.
