THE Ministry of Natural Resources on Tuesday disclosed that its intensified enforcement exercise against illegal mining activities continue to yield considerable results across Guyana’s mining districts.
A coordinated operation conducted by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Police Force, led to the discovery of two illegal mining sites along the Puruni River in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), the minister said in a press release.
“On March 6, 2026, between 08:00hrs and 12:00hrs, a GGMC mining officer along with police ranks, conducted an exercise at Kumung Kumung along the Puruni River during which six Brazilian nationals and one Venezuelan national were found working illegally,” the release added.
Following the operation, the GGMC instituted several charges against the landowners. The charges include breaching the buffer area of the river bank, diverting or altering the natural flow of the river, operating without a licence or permit, operating without permission to mine, unable to produce a production book or any form of declaration, employing workers without work permits or certificates of registration, unable to produce a register of labourers and unable to produce a register of poisonous substances.
According to the release, the foreign nationals were escorted to the Bartica Police Station for processing while an excavator, dragger and other equipment used in the illegal operations have been placed in the State’s possession.
Additionally, the ministry has taken the necessary steps to ensure all costs for environmental reclamation are covered by the unlicensed operators.
“The discovery of these two illegal mining operations, among others which have been dismantled over the past few months, is a testament to the importance of His Excellency, President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s call to ensure greater compliance in the mining sector.”
“As the ministry continues to fulfil the mandate set by President Ali, all miners and claim holders are urged to take the necessary steps to ensure their operations conform with Guyana’s mining laws and regulations,” the release added
