Six illegal mines shut down, 38 arrested

Six illegal mining operations in the Mazaruni Mining District, Region Seven, were shut down on Tuesday during a joint enforcement exercise carried out by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Police Force.

The Ministry of Natural Resources said the operations were uncovered following reports of unlawful mining activity in a quarry area.

The enforcement action led to the arrest of 38 individuals, while equipment and machinery used in the illegal operations were seized.

Surveillance has since been established in the area to deter any resumption of illegal mining activities.

The ministry reiterated that illegal mining will not be tolerated and said the government maintains a zero-tolerance policy, vowing continued action to detect, disrupt and prosecute offenders.