GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Sept 12, CMC – Four more non-nationals have been held after authorities expanded a sweep targeting illegal mining in the Potaro Mining District, bringing the number detained in the operation to nine.
The Ministry of Natural Resources said the additional miners were discovered by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s (GGMC) Corps of Wardens after the search area was expanded.
The four have since been detained, the ministry said.
The Corps of Wardens also found excavators and trucks concealed in the surrounding jungle, along with dredges, generators, water pumps, metal detectors and other mining equipment.
The ministry reported on Thursday that an illegal mining operation in the district had been dismantled and that five non-nationals had been detained.
It said the GGMC, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, will continue surveillance and enforcement activities across all mining districts.
The ministry said all non-nationals previously apprehended for involvement in illegal mining activities are being deported.
It warned that those found operating outside the law will face the full consequences.
CMC/ed/2026