THE Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), an agency of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment has commenced an investigation to verify the validity of an alleged confrontation between members of the Guyana Police Force and illegal miners during an enforcement exercise to curb illegal mining activities within Marudi Mountain, Region 9.

The Commission, under operation El Dorado, has been engaging in a series of activities in the various mining districts to improve its monitoring, compliance and enforcement and as such, the Guyana Police Force in keeping with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) would accompany the GGMC to provide security and enforcement support.
Upon learning of the incident, Minister Robert Persaud has since called for an emergency meeting of the Board of Directors for the GGMC in addition to requesting the assistance of the Commissioner of Police in investigating this matter. The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has also been requested to provide support to the investigation.
The Commission will be working closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs to investigate the alleged confrontation and remains committed to reduce illegal mining as prescribed in the Mining Act and Regulations.