The Iwokrama International Conservation Centre continues to face the problem of miners illegally carrying out gold mining operations within the Iwokrama protected areas.

Three foreign nationals were arrested this week after found with their illegal mining operations within the conservation area.

The two Brazilian nationals and a Venezuelan were nabbed on Wednesday during an operation to address illegal mining.

In a statement, Iwokrama said it is understood that ‘some’ Brazilians have been entering Guyana under the pretext of coming for vacation or looking for legal business opportunities, but with the intention of illegally harvesting Guyana’s gold. 

“Very often these illegal activities of foreigners are aided and abetted by our own Guyanaese citizens. Iwokrama is asking for our border control services  and community partners to remain very vigilant of  persons travelling through parts of Guyana with boats, dredges and mining equipment loaded up in pick-up trucks or other types of vehicles without  permits for mining in Guyana”, Iworkrama said.

The Centre also reminded that gold mining activities are absolutely PROHIBITED in the Iwokrama Forest.  The IWOKRAMA ACT 1996 is clear on the prohibition of illegal activities with provisions for such violations.

“Furthermore, such illegal activities pose an imminent threat to our national ecological integrity, disrupts local livelihoods and traditional practices and undermines Guyana’s forestry and protected areas management systems. Such violations WILL NOT be tolerated”, the statement said.

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Two Brazilians arrested for illegal mining in Iwokrama Protected Area; Four others escape Brazilian and others arrested over illegal gold mining within Iwokrama Conservation area No access through Iwokrama Forests to mining or forestry lands No exception to tackling mining in protected areas -Harmon