Despite an order from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to refill a riverbank at Micobie, in Region Eight, which was excavated for gold mining activities, dredge operators have left the area without doing any of the work.
Last year it was revealed that the operators of four dredges had been using an excavator to clear land on a bank of the river and engaging in dredging activities, resulting in major erosion on the right bank of the Potaro River.
Toshao Cleveland Henry told Stabroek News that the dredge operators left the community in December without repairing the riverbank, which is badly damaged. He said that the issue seems to be of little concern to GGMC as it has done nothing to enforce the order.
In November, the GGMC issued a cease and removal order to operators of hydraulic dredges and excavators who were said to be illegally mining on the titled lands of Micobie. They were also ordered to refill the land that they excavated before their operations were made public. Despite the orders, the operators continued to conduct mining activities but as a result of constant intervention by the council and GGMC they soon stopped. They had claimed that they had permission to work on a claim on the land owned they identified as Edward Singh.
Meanwhile, Deputy Toshao Vanessa Domingo revealed that the operators were mining in the Potaro River illegally, which she said should be investigated. She noted that Crown Mining is the only company that has river claims in the area and it is currently transferring those claims to a company called ‘Budhrams’ (only name given).
She noted that the village council was able to confirm that the dredge operators were not from either of the companies mentioned, thereby making their activities on river and land illegal and warranting intense investigation.
However, investigations into the matters are moving at a slow pace and it seems that the persons who committed those acts will not be held responsible for their illicit activities.
Domingo also revealed that a representative from GGMC had recently advised the council to write a letter to the Minister of Natural Resources when it attempted to engage the regulatory body about the issue. She said that the council is going to do so because these issues are of major concern and it wants to get the matter sorted out as soon as possible.
Attempts to contact GGMC for a comment were unsuccessful.
