Following a surprise visit by Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud and a team from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) on Saturday, three dredges operating without the requisite documentation in the Essequibo River near Itaballi, Region Seven were issued with cease-work orders.
According to information coming out of a source in the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, the dredges were being operated by Brazilians.
“Recognizing the breach of operating the river dredges without a licence, the Commission was mandated by Minister Persaud to take necessary action in accordance with the Mining Act and Regulations, such as the issuance of the cease work orders. Also further investigations will be conducted to identify additional breaches and instituting prescribed penalties,” the source said.
It is understood that following the surprise visit, the Natural Resources and the Environment Minister instructed the GGMC to conduct a series of monitoring and surveillance exercises within the various mining districts to ensure all mining operations comply with set guidelines for sustainable and environmentally-friendly mining practices.
