charged, and placed before the courts during January for breaches of Guyana’s Mining Laws and Regulations. “These matters were concluded before the Bartica, Mahdia, and Linden Magistrates’ Courts, where the offenders pleaded guilty and were made to pay various fines for engaging in illegal mining operations and related offences,” a statement published by the Department of Public Information (DPI) said.

The convictions arose from illegal activities that included mining without a licence or permit, operating licensed dredges on mining properties without permission, and the use of unregistered or unlicensed dredges. In keeping with the law, the courts imposed fines for the varying offences. The nine convictions add to the 44 persons previously arrested, charged, and taken before the courts as part of the Ministry’s intensified national crackdown on illegal mining operations, bringing the total number of persons prosecuted to 53.

“The Ministry of Natural Resources reiterates that this course of action will continue unabated to ensure full compliance with the Mining Laws and Regulations, while ensuring environmental sustainability in harnessing Guyana’s natural resources for present and future generations,” the statement said. On January 23, Kaieteur News reported that more than 50 pieces of mining equipment and related materials were seized from unlicenced mining operations in the North West District. The ministry in a statement said the seizures form part of its ongoing and intensified efforts to dismantle illegal mining activities across Guyana. The equipment was confiscated during compliance and enforcement exercises conducted in collaboration with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) at several locations within the Eclipse Falls–North West area.

Among the items seized were mining engines, generators, water pumps, hoses and gold detection equipment, all of which were being used in contravention of the country’s mining laws and regulations. The equipment has since been detained and lodged at the Mines Station pending further action. The ministry reiterated that illegal and unregulated mining poses serious environmental, economic and safety risks and will not be tolerated. It noted too that the enforcement exercises are part of a broader, sustained strategy to ensure compliance with the Mining Act and to protect Guyana’s natural resources for present and future generations. (Kaieteur News)