3 more foreign nationals arrested at Iwokrama for illegal mining

A sustained crackdown on illegal gold mining within the Iwokrama Protected Area has resulted in the arrest of three more foreign nationals, underscoring the authorities’ renewed push to safeguard one of Guyana’s most ecologically significant forest reserves.

The arrests were made on Wednesday, during an ongoing enforcement mission in the Siparuni area, led by the Iwokrama International Centre (IIC) in collaboration with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Those detained include two Brazilian nationals and one Venezuelan national, all of whom were reportedly found operating illegally with dredging equipment inside the protected forest.
The joint enforcement exercise forms part of a wider operation that has been ongoing since November 22, as authorities intensify efforts to stem illegal mining activities in the 371,000-hectare Iwokrama Forest. While officials have observed a modest reduction in illegal mining compared to 2024, there is growing concern about an increasing influx of foreign nationals entering Guyana, both legally and illegally, with the intention of engaging in prohibited mining operations.
Iwokrama officials noted that some foreign nationals, particularly Brazilians, are believed to be entering Guyana under the pretext of tourism or seeking legitimate business opportunities, only to later engage in illegal gold mining. These activities, authorities say, are often facilitated by Guyanese citizens who aid and abet the transport of miners and equipment into restricted areas.
Among those arrested is Brazilian national Edwardo De Souza Braz, who was previously observed attempting to access the Siparuni area with a group comprising one Guyanese and six Brazilian nationals. That group was intercepted and turned back by GGMC officers and Police during the week of November 22. Another Brazilian, identified as Rondiney Barbosa Periera, was also found operating illegally. The Venezuelan national, Cristhian Jose Cedero, was apprehended near the Basha Bay area and reportedly told authorities that he was brought into the forest by Brazilian miners.
Iwokrama has since called on border control agencies, community partners, and the general public to remain vigilant, particularly regarding persons travelling through remote regions with boats, dredges, and mining equipment transported in pick-up trucks or other vehicles without the requisite mining permits.
Guyanese who regularly traverse the 72-kilometre stretch of the Georgetown–Lethem road that passes through the Iwokrama Forest are being urged to act as additional “eyes and ears” on the ground. Suspicious activities can be reported to Dr Raquel Thomas, Director of Resource Management and Training, via email at [email protected] or through Iwokrama’s WhatsApp line at +592 639 3216.

Enforcement in a protected region
The latest arrests follow earlier enforcement successes. More than a month ago, Brazilian national Flaviano Teixiera-Costa was arrested during a similar joint operation involving the IIC, GGMC, the GPF, and Iwokrama Rangers. During that operation, several miners fled the area, abandoning passports that later identified other suspected illegal miners, including Jailson Ferreira Lima, Iago Silva Alves, Jose Antonio Rodrigues Dos Santos and Jose Do Santos Silvino. Silvino, authorities confirmed, had already been apprehended during an October 8 operation.
Iwokrama has reiterated that gold mining is absolutely prohibited within the protected area, as clearly outlined under the Iwokrama Act of 1996. The centre warned that such illegal activities pose a serious threat to Guyana’s ecological integrity, disrupt traditional livelihoods, and undermine national forestry and protected areas management systems. Officials further cautioned that illegal mining could jeopardise Iwokrama’s international certification and, by extension, Guyana’s broader Protected Areas System and green development agenda.
The IIC also noted that it reserves the right to publish the names and photographs of individuals found conducting illegal gold mining activities within the protected area.
Iwokrama’s management has again emphasised that strong inter-agency collaboration remains the most effective way to combat illegal mining. The Centre expressed gratitude for the continued support of the Ministry of Natural Resources, the GGMC, the GPF, the Protected Areas Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Established in 1996 under a joint mandate of the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Iwokrama International Centre manages the forest to generate lasting ecological, social, and economic benefits. Working alongside 20 local communities, scientists and international partners, the Centre promotes sustainable forestry, research and ecotourism as a model for balancing conservation with national development.