The four Brazilian miners who were killed when a mining pit collapsed and buried them alive, were operating in  Guyana illegally according to the Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud.

The Ministry has dispatched investigators to the area. According to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the four miners were previously booted out from the area but returned.

According to the Ministry, based on the GGMC’s information, the now deceased miners, who came through Venezuela and checked in at Eteringbang were not in possession of a valid work permit. The Ministry said “In fact, they were intercepted by officers from the GGMC and ordered to cease their operations some three weeks ago; however, they subsequently returned.”

Minister Persaud explained that since the mining operation is being done on privately owned Amerindian lands in the village, the GGMC has no direct responsibility in terms of dictating the types of operation and/or determining who gets permission to mine. Such authority lies solely with the Village Council as provided for under the Amerindian Act.

“We are always hopeful, that village councils, when granting permission would ensure that persons operate in a safe environment and not undertake activities or use techniques that can jeopardize life, limb and property,” the Minister stated. He also emphasised the need for people to have good legal status on entering the country as well as necessary permits.

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