Govt orders return of seized equipment to small miners in Issano
– following intervention of Small Miners’ Association
Some of the mining equipment that was returned to the small miners
Several pieces of equipment that were seized by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) from small miners in the 14 Miles district of Issano, Region 10, were returned to them on Tuesday following the intervention of the Small Miners’ Association of Guyana Inc.
After the equipment had been confiscated by the GGMC in an exercise that targeted illegal mining activities in the area, several small miners whose operations were halted and equipment seized sought assistance from the Chairman of the Small Miners’ Association Guyana Inc. (SMAGI), David Daniels, who promptly visited the area and engaged the aggrieved miners.
While emphasizing that the association does not endorse illegal mining, he acknowledged the challenges small miners face in accessing legitimate mining lands, even as he recognised their noble struggle to provide for their families.
Daniels met with Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat and advocated for leniency for the miners. In turn, the minister ordered the immediate release of the seized equipment. Daniels expressed gratitude to the minister, and encouraged the miners to strictly adhere to legal mining practices in the future.
Chairman of the SMAGI, David Daniels (centre), with small miners affected by the seizure
This collaborative effort highlights the significance of communication between small miners, industry associations and Government bodies in addressing challenges and fostering a sustainable mining environment.
