The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), today said it has started an investigation to “verify the validity of an alleged confrontation between members of the Guyana Police Force and illegal miners during an enforcement exercise to curb illegal mining activities within Marudi Mountain, Region Nine.”
Video of the incident on YouTube has evoked anger at the beating of civilians by a policeman.
In a statement today, The Commission said that under operation El Dorado it has been engaging in activities in the various mining districts to improve monitoring, compliance and enforcement and as such, the Guyana Police Force in keeping with standard operating procedure would accompany the GGMC to provide security and enforcement support.
“Upon learning of the incident, Minister Persaud has since called for an emergency meeting of the Board of Directors for the GGMC in addition to requesting the assistance of the Commissioner of Police in investigating this matter. The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has also been requested to provide support to the investigation”, the GGMC said.
It added that the Commission, an agency of the Ministry of Natural Resources, will be working closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs to probe the alleged confrontation and remains committed to curb illegal mining as prescribed in the Mining Act and Regulations.
