Prior to the discovery of the massive tunnel mining operation in the New River Basin, Toshao of Masakenari Paul Chekema said that residents frequently heard an airplane flying over the community and this was what prompted him to contact the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).
Last week, a release from the GDF revealed that a Joint Operation conducted by the GDF in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) found a massive tunnel mining operation in the New River Basin, some 50 miles east of Masakenari (Gunns Village), South Rupununi.
The team, a release from the GDF said, located the camp and discovered three tunnels, one of which was abandoned, while the remainder were deemed active. The team also found several pieces of equipment, including a satellite dish. No one was found at the camp.
Due to the remoteness of the location, seizure of the equipment was not feasible, so they were subsequently destroyed, the release added. Investigators believe that the persons who were undertaking mining operations may have been utilising an illegal airstrip in Brazil, located some two miles south of the Guyana/Brazil border. The New River Basin is designated a Rare Earth Mineral Reserve and, therefore, mining is strictly prohibited in the area, the release noted.
Chekema told this newspaper recently that residents were completely unaware of what was going on at the New River Basin but they became suspicious that when they started hearing airplane noises. He stated that he decided to raise his suspicions with the GDF and a team was deployed to investigate.
He added that he is glad that the illegal operation was discovered and now they no longer hear any airplane noises. Further, he said although they would like to monitor the area it is quite a distance away from the community but he assured that his villagers will not be going to that area to do mining.
