Six non-nationals, including five Brazilians and one Chinese national, are detained after authorities discover an unauthorised underground mining operation in one of Guyana’s mining districts, the Ministry of Natural Resources says. The men are detained on August 20 after being found operating a mining shaft without the required licences, permissions, and regulatory approvals.
Multiple outlets report that the operation involves underground mining conducted through a shaft lacking the necessary approvals. Jamaica Observer adds that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) acts through joint efforts with the Guyana Police Force to locate and detain the illegal miners, who are held in police custody while investigations continue. The outlets also note that the ministry is warning miners that surveillance of mining districts is ongoing and that any breach of Guyanese mining laws—by Guyanese or foreign nationals—will be dealt with under the law.
While all sources align on the detentions, the people involved, and the lack of approvals, they differ mainly in how they attribute the action (ministry versus GGMC) and in providing additional details about the investigation and enforcement reminder.
