The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has voiced its condemnation of illegal mining in the protected Iwokrama forest and its environs.
The body made its position known yesterday following the most recent report from the Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development, which has moved to offer a reward for information that it can use for prosecution due to continued incursions by miners.
“The GGDMA calls on the relevant authorities to root out these illegal miners. No effort must be spared, and all resources of the enforcement agencies must be brought to bear against those who encroach and disturb areas that are protected, restricted and outside of the mining zone,” the GGDMA said in a statement.
“The GGDMA supports the rights of miners and will continue to advocate for miners’ rights but it will not tolerate, support, or encourage illegal mining. Everyone must respect the protected areas of Guyana and the restricted zones,” it added.
The GGDMA added that the body will continue to work with the mining authorities to help stem the scourge of illegal mining, which it said not only deprives the country of revenue but also encourages some of the worst mining practices and illegal activities.
It further urged all miners to respect the mining regulations in place and to work with the authorities to help improve the industry. “Illegal mining must end. Protected areas must be respected,” the body added.
On Friday, the Centre said it believed that continued intrusions of illegal mining operations in the protected forest as well as the one kilometer buffer zone on the other side of the Siparuni River are due to the perpetrators “taking advantage of the current restrictions and lockdown protocols established to combat the COVID – 19 virus.”
The Centre, which recently said it had already imposed penalties on one tourism operator and a gold miner was placed before the courts, explained that its staffers along with full support from Ministry of Natural Resources Wardens and the Guyana Police Force witnessed more intrusions of illegal mining operations in the forest and buffer zone in the week of October 16, 2020. “Last week, the team noted even more significant damage and clear indications of preparations for further mining in the forest. The team also noted” it said. “Due to the unexpected nature of the operation the team found itself targetted by gunfire from miners who quickly scampered away into the forest. One arrest was made and the person is before the courts.”
