Although they have ceased operations, dredge owners who were illegally mining on Micobie’s titled lands have refused to move from the Lower Potaro River as was instructed by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).
Last week, the GGMC served a removal order to operators of the dredges after environmental and land rights concerns were raised by the Micobie Village Council in Region Eight. However, according to the Deputy Toshao of the community Vanessa Domingo, the General Manger had refused to sign the removal owner and told the team, which comprised Micobie’s Village Council and members of the GGMC including the commissioner that the owner would have to sign the removal order. They were told to remove all mining equipment from Micobie and the Lower Potaro River by last Monday.
Contacted for an update yesterday, Domingo revealed that the excavators were moved from Micobie’s land and are currently parked on the opposite side of the river bank. She added that the hydraulic dredges are also parked in the river close to the community but it seems as though everyone who was working there had left with the exception of a watchman. Although no mining operations are currently ongoing, she said, the dredge operators were told to remove from the Lower Potaro River but it seems they are intent on not doing so.
Toshao Cleveland Henry noted that although they have stopped working, it might not be long before they recommence working in the area and the fact that they have refused to move their equipment from the area is a clear sign of their intent.
In addition to being told to remove from the area, the GGMC had also ordered the dredge owners to refill the land they had excavated. Domingo stated that despite the timeline provided for removal all equipment, as of yesterday, they were no attempts by the operators to refill the land.
Meanwhile, Domingo also revealed that the GGMC will be holding a meeting on Saturday to decide on the way forward. She said it is possible they might consider seizing all the mining equipment.
In a previous report, Domingo had stated that this has been an ongoing issue which they would like to see rectified in the shortest possible time. The four dredges in the area had been mining for gold despite being served notices by the Village Council and a cease order from GGMC. According to the Toshao, the dredges are permitted to mine in the river but they have been using an excavator to clear land on the bank of the river to engage in dredging activities. She said that this has resulted in major erosion on the right bank of the Potaro River.
