Brazilian national fined $7M for mining in protected area

A Brazilian man has been fined million, payable to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), following a raid of his operations in April.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Natural Resources, the operator was caught mining illegally in the Kaieteur National Park area.

The release stated that the GGMC discovered equipment in the form of a dredge, No 9827, and a Doosan excavator, engine No DHKCEFALTB, when they raided the Kaieteur National Park Buffer area.

The equipment was subsequently held and charges were prepared against Ceso Alves De Alcantara, a national of Brazil. In discussions on August 4 and 5, 2016, Alcantara said that he regretted the situation, noting that he was almost ruined and has become ill with worry since the situation unfolded.

Alcantara’s equipment is to be removed from the buffer area to Grass Falls, with the understanding that there should be no future issue arising from his operation working near prohibited areas or without permission.