GGDMA commends crackdown on illegal gold mining, smuggling

The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) on Saturday extended its support to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) for its crackdown on illegal mining and smuggling in Guyana.
In its Saturday press release, the GGDMA noted that recently, the Commission 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.
The GGDMA stated that it has been urging the GGMC to increase its enforcement efforts to stamp out illegal gold mining, and to this end the GGDMA welcomed the recent effort as part of a renewed and larger campaign.
The Association also called on the GGMC to expand this exercise to other areas and begin the regularisation of landings in the mining areas.
According to the GGDMA, it must be noted that illegal gold mining and the operation of illegal shops fuel 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, it stressed.
The GGDMA, it added, has always called for an end to illegal mining.
The Association also took the opportunity to remind miners that all gold must be sold to the Guyana Gold Board or authorised dealers, and detailed records must be kept for verification.