Ministry of Natural Resources commends deportation of illegal Brazilian miners

The Ministry of Natural Resources has commended the swift and coordinated action taken by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), alongside other regulatory agencies, which resulted in the arrest and deportation of several Brazilian nationals involved in illegal mining activities.

According to the GPF, four Brazilian nationals—Antonio Isal Das Soura, 49; Michael De Souza Martin, 26; Clinton Martins Fernandes, 19; and Matheus Sere Martins, 20—appeared via Zoom before Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court on Friday, March 27, 2026.

The men, all from Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil, were charged with illegal entry and illegal mining. They pleaded guilty to both offences.

For illegal entry, each was fined $30,000 or six weeks’ imprisonment in default. They received an additional $30,000 fine, or six weeks’ imprisonment in default, for illegal mining. The court also ordered their deportation within 24 hours.

In a related matter, Taiane Macedo Peixoto, a 33-year-old Brazilian national and cook, also appeared before the same court charged with illegal mining. She pleaded guilty and was fined $30,000 or six weeks’ imprisonment in default.

The Ministry of Natural Resources emphasized that these enforcement actions are part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal mining across the country. The ministry noted that such activities pose serious threats to the environment, undermine the rule of law, and jeopardize the sustainable management of Guyana’s natural resources.

Authorities reiterated that enforcement operations will continue in all mining districts and warned that individuals found in breach of the law will face the full force of the legal system.

The ministry is also urging all stakeholders in the mining sector to comply strictly with national laws and regulations as the government intensifies its campaign against illegal operations.