A mining operation which was in April 2016 caught operating in the Kaieteur National Park area will pay a fine of $7 million to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) as the agency.
A raid by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the GGMC in the Kaieteur National Park Buffer area found equipment in the form of a dredge No. 9827 and a Doosan excavator engine No. DHKCEFALTB belonging to a Brazillian national, Ceso Alves De Alcantara. The equipment was detained and charges were prepared against Mr Alcantara.
The Ministry believes that this action sends a strong signal that there is a zero tolerance approach towards mining in protected areas and outside of the law and that stern action can and will be taken against those found doing so.
In discussions on August 4 and 5, 2016 Mr Alcantara indicated that he fully regretted the situation.
Mr Alcantara’s equipment is to be removed with the understanding that there should be no future issue arising from his operation working near prohibited areas or without permission.
