GDF seizes helicopter, destroys illegal mining camp

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Sunday destroyed an illegal mining camp and seized a helicopter and several other items in the New River Triangle, situated in the southeastern portion of East Berbice.
According to the GDF, having gathered intelligence on the mining operation, it launched a search of the New River Triangle and arrested two Brazilian nationals, one of whom is a pilot. Upon seeing soldiers, several others fled the scene into the surrounding jungle.
The illegal mining camp was secured and cleared by members of the Guyana Defence Force. A shotgun, 10 cellular phones, a generator, mining equipment, passports, identification cards and a bank card were recovered. A quantity of equipment was confiscated, and mining tunnels were destroyed.
The Guyana Defence Force has said that the operation was conducted over a period of four days, and involved two officers and 27 of their ranks, and was supported by the Air Corps.

Only a few months ago, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) demolished a number of structures and ordered the removal of over 75 mining operations from the Two Point Backdam of the Cuyuni river following a standoff with small miners operating there. Before that operation, the miners were given three days to remove from the area following complaints of illegal operations as well as squatting on lands owned by other persons.
After the grace period had expired, the demolition of shops and other structures was undertaken. After the demolition, the Chair of the Small Miners Association of Guyana Inc (SMAGI), David Daniels, noted that the issue stemmed from several persons laying claim to the land on which the small miners are operating. He said the SMAGI had been in contact with the small miners, and many of them have reported that they are operating on state lands. (G9)