Charges relating to illegal mining climb to 53

Nine additional persons were arrested, charged, and brought before the courts during January 2026 for breaches of Guyana’s Mining Laws and Regulations, bringing the total number of persons prosecuted to 53.

This is according to a statement from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

On Saturday, the Ministry stated that the matters concluded before the Bartica, Mahdia, and Linden Magistrates’ Courts, where the offenders pleaded guilty and were made to pay various fines for engaging in illegal mining operations and related offences.

The convictions arose from illegal activities that included mining without a licence or permit, operating licensed dredges on mining properties without permission, and the use of unregistered or unlicensed dredges. In keeping with the law, the courts imposed fines for the varying offences.

These nine convictions add to the 44 persons previously arrested, charged, and brought before the courts as part of the Ministry’s intensified national crackdown on illegal mining operations, bringing the total number of persons prosecuted to 53.

The Ministry of Natural Resources enphasised that this course of action will continue unabated to ensure full compliance with the Mining Laws and Regulations, while ensuring environmental sustainability in harnessing Guyana’s natural resources for present and future generations.