The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) says it fully supports the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) for its crackdown on illegal mining and smuggling of gold in the in Guyana.

The support from the GGDMA comes after the GGMC carried out enforcement exercises in the Sand Hills and Toroparu areas during which several illegal miners and raiders were detained, and several illegal shops and operations were dismantled.

The GGDMA also commended the Guyana Police for their support in this exercise.

In a statement, the Association has also urged the GGMC to increase its enforcement efforts to stamp out illegal gold mining. To this end the GGDMA said it welcomes the GGMC’s efforts as part of a renewed and larger campaign.

“The GGDMA calls on the GGMC to expand this exercise to other areas and commence the regularization of landings in the mining areas. It must be noted that illegal gold mining and the operation of illegal shops fuels other associated illegal activities, such as human trafficking, gold smuggling and the sale of illegal drugs. These activities have in the past been tied directly to the gangs in Venezuela including the notorious Sindicato gang. At a time when Guyana is under threat from its aggressive neighbour, the country must take all steps to stop activities linked to the financing activities in Venezuela,” the miners association stated.

The GGDMA said it has always called for an end to illegal mining. The Association reminded miners that all gold must be sold to the Guyana Gold Board or authorized dealers and detailed records be kept for verification.

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