Stricter enforcement, equipment seizures and prosecutions to curb illegal mining, gold under-declaration

The Ministry of Natural Resources will step up oversight of gold dealers, expand enforcement operations and increase multi-agency action against illegal mining to address under-declaration in the sector, the government said today.

The measures were announced following a meeting between the ministry and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) on December 10, 2025.

Under the plan, regulators will intensify audits of licensed gold dealers and traders, verify source declarations and conduct routine compliance checks. Dealers found facilitating undeclared transactions or breaching reporting requirements could face licence suspension or revocation.

The ministry will also scale up field monitoring across mining districts, seize equipment operating without legal documentation and increase joint operations involving the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force to identify, arrest and prosecute illegal operators.

Miners were urged to sell gold only to the Guyana Gold Board or licensed dealers to ensure accurate production data and sector transparency.

The ministry reiterated that paying workers in raw gold is illegal and said inspections will be increased to enforce compliance with labour and tax laws. Officials also warned that the use of so-called “Blai boxes” is prohibited and that gold transactions are permitted only with approved buyers and the Gold Board.

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat said the government remains committed to responsible management of mineral resources and noted that the sector has received expanded technical, financial and regulatory support since 2020.