The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has expressed its support for the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s (GGMC) recent efforts to combat illegal mining and smuggling in the country.
The GGDMA highlighted that the GGMC recently conducted enforcement exercises in the Sand Hills and Toroparu areas, during which “several illegal miners and raiders were detained, and several illegal shops and operations were dismantled.” The Association also commended the Guyana Police for their role in supporting the operation.
Noting that it has long advocated for increased enforcement, the GGDMA said it “welcomes this effort as part of a renewed and larger campaign” and urged the GGMC to “expand this exercise to other areas and commence the regularization of landings in the mining areas.”
The Association, in a statement, also warned that illegal mining and unlicensed operations often fuel other criminal activities. “It must be noted that illegal gold mining and the operation of illegal shops fuels other associated illegal activities, such as human trafficking, gold smuggling and the sale of illegal drugs,” the GGDMA stated. The organization further noted that these activities have historically been linked to gangs in Venezuela, including the notorious Sindicato gang.
“In a time when Guyana is under threat from its aggressive neighbor, the country must take all steps to stop activities linked to the financing activities in Venezuela,” the GGDMA added.
Reiterating its long-standing position, the Association reminded miners that “all gold must be sold to the Guyana Gold Board or authorised dealers and detailed records be kept for verification.”
