The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), on Monday, issued a cease and desist order to miners engaging in illegal mining activities at Micobie, warning that failure to do so, will result in them being prosecuted.
In expressing grave concern over the issue of environmental degradation at Micobie, at a section of the buffer zone of the Potaro River, the Ministry said it will not tolerate illegal mining.
“The Ministry condemns such acts and urges all parties to desist from such activities, lest they prosecuted to the full extent of the Law,” it warned in a statement.
Reports of illegal mining in the indigenous community had sparked an investigation by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission.
“The investigation has ascertained several facts which point to the accuracy of reports and the destruction of the river bank among other breaches of the Mining Act Chapter 65:01. Specifically, the investigation concluded that the operations have no permission to be at the current location, hence there has been an immediate issuance of cease and removal orders,” the Ministry explained.
According to the Ministry, the Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat has envisioned a renewed strategic approach for the extractive sector, one which ensures proper regulation of mining coupled with high environmental standards. Minister Bharrat has mandated intense monitoring and compliance within the sector to ensure sustainable legal extractive activities.
In issuing the statement, the Ministry recommitted itself to upholding its Mission Statement of developing, implementing and overseeing policies for the responsible exploration, development and utilisation of the country’s natural resources.
