Guyana suspends operations of 107 Brazilian gold miners

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has suspended the operations of 107 Brazilian gold miners, two days after a joint enforcement operation in central Georgetown resulted in the seizure of gold and the processing of undocumented individuals.

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In a statement issued Monday, the GGMC said the suspensions take effect immediately and will remain in force until the affected persons engage with the commission and demonstrate compliance to its satisfaction. The action follows a public notice issued on January 2, which required the named individuals to report to the GGMC.

The commission said the suspension covers permissions to operate and any related authorisations, and was issued “without prejudice to any further regulatory or enforcement action” it may lawfully pursue. Most of the miners listed in the notice provided addresses in Georgetown, with a smaller number from Bartica.

The Ministry of Natural Resources declined to disclose the quantity of gold seized during the operation, which involved the GGMC, the ministry’s Compliance Unit, and the Guyana Police Force.

“This initiative is a part of our ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and the trading of precious metals in our country,” the ministry said. “During these operations, several undocumented individuals were processed, gold was seized, and the verification of persons of interest was successfully completed.”

The government reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining, warning that similar operations will be carried out nationwide to enforce compliance with mining laws and regulations. The ministry said it will continue working to protect Guyana’s environment and uphold the rule of law, while urging the public to report suspicious mining or trading activities.

Authorities have conducted comparable crackdowns in interior mining districts in recent months, targeting illegal operations and the under-declaration of gold.

President Irfaan Ali has also issued stern warnings to the sector, saying miners caught under-declaring gold instead of selling it through the Guyana Gold Board could have their dredges de-registered. He has added that foreign nationals, particularly Brazilians, could face prosecution and deportation for similar violations.

Last June, President Ali said Guyana had given assurances to the United States that it would partner in efforts to curb gold smuggling, noting that illicit flows of the precious metal could help empower or protect undemocratic forces.