According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud; GGMC Board of Directors Chairman Major General (retired), Joseph Singh and other senior officers of the government met with a high-level delegation from the State of Roraima, Brazil following the detention of scores of illegal Brazilian miners as part of the recently-launched “Operation El Dorado” to combat widespread illegal mining. Persaud pointed out that the operation is intended to target illegal mining and other unregulated mining activities. He advised the meeting that a large number of Brazilians were caught engaging in illegal mining activities. However, the high level team is welcomed to examine a joint effort to ensure Brazilian miners are registered and engaged in sustainable mining activities and comply with national laws.
Government values the friendship of its southern neighbour and the investments made by Brazilians in Guyana, Minister Persaud added.
“Operation El Dorado” was carried out in the Puruni area, Region Seven. The operation involved inspection of mining camps and operations to determine the status of the property being worked; verification of mining privileges and certificates of registration for persons employed; inspection of the requisite documentation, including dredge licences and production books; sanitation, environmental and occupational health and safety compliance. Also, the Guyana Police Force’s Tactical Services Unit team checked for guns, ammunition, and drugs, while an immigration team checked the status of foreign workers.
The operation resulted in the detention of a total of 94 foreign miners who breached mining, environment, and immigration laws.
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