Guyana Cracks Down on Gold Miners, Suspending Licenses of Over 100 Operators

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has taken decisive action against mining operators who failed to meet regulatory requirements, announcing the immediate suspension of mining activities and licences for more than 100 individuals accused of non-compliance. The sweeping move forms part of a broader government effort to clamp down on illegal gold mining, ensure proper reporting of mineral output, and protect the nation’s economic interests.

Under the announcement, the GGMC has suspended all mining operations, permissions to operate, and any related authorisations held by those listed in a public directive issued earlier this month. The action affects 107 Brazilian nationals engaged in gold production within Guyana’s interior regions, particularly near the Brazilian border. The suspensions take effect immediately and will remain in force until those operators engage with authorities to resolve compliance issues to the Commission’s satisfaction.

According to the GGMC’s statement, the licences were revoked because the operators failed to comply with a prior public notice requiring them to present themselves before the Commission and submit documentation verifying their adherence to the law. The Commission stressed that this response is “without prejudice” to further regulatory or enforcement measures that might be pursued under Guyanese law.

The enforcement action follows directives from President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who has put particular pressure on the sector to ensure full transparency in gold declarations. In early January, the President ordered that any miner who fails to declare the amount of gold they produce—especially gold mined in 2025—will face immediate consequences, including deregistration of their operations, prosecution, and potential deportation.

At a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and GGMC leadership, President Ali emphasised that all gold miners must comply with statutory obligations and declare all production to the Guyana Gold Board. He also directed that any registered dredges with no corresponding declarations be deregistered immediately. Foreign miners operating illegally must be identified for possible prosecution and expulsion, he stated.

Local authorities believe that the issue is not only one of regulatory compliance but also has broader economic implications. Unsanctioned mining and under-reporting of gold output have, according to government sources, undermined one of Guyana’s most valuable foreign-exchange earners. Some reports suggest that significant quantities of gold—as much as 15,000 troy ounces per week—may be leaving the country without proper documentation or government oversight, depriving the state of vital revenue.

Gold mining is a cornerstone of Guyana’s economy and a significant contributor to both employment and export earnings. As global gold prices remain strong, the government is under pressure to ensure that this lucrative sector operates within the framework of the law and that the economic benefits accrue properly to the country.

In conjunction with the suspensions, joint operations involving the GGMC, the Natural Resources Ministry’s Compliance Unit, and the Guyana Police Force have resulted in the processing of undocumented individuals, seizures of gold, and verification of persons of interest. These coordinated efforts signal a multipronged approach by authorities to tackle illegal mining activities and related trading of precious metals.

This crackdown has drawn attention from local industry groups as well. The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has in past statements backed strong enforcement against illegal operations, noting that illicit mining not only diminishes the sector’s reputation but also inflicts environmental harm and erodes investor confidence. While welcoming enforcement actions against blatant illegal activity, the association has also emphasised the importance of clear, consistent enforcement that distinguishes between legitimate miners and those operating outside the law.

The latest measures by the GGMC are part of a larger regulatory tightening in Guyana’s mining sector. In addition to compliance checks, regulators have implemented requirements for miners to maintain local bank accounts and update personal records, including contact information. Licences and permits may be affected if miners fail to meet these administrative requirements by set deadlines. The overarching goal is to enhance traceability, accountability, and environmental protection in a sector that has historically grappled with illicit activity and the challenges of monitoring remote operations.

Critics of the enforcement push say that coordination and communication with miners must improve to avoid unnecessary disruptions to legitimate operations. However, government officials maintain that strict compliance is essential to safeguard Guyana’s natural resources, strengthen revenue collection, and ensure that mining contributes fairly and sustainably to national development.

As the affected operators work with authorities to address compliance concerns, the GGMC and government ministries continue to underscore that clear rules and enforcement mechanisms will remain in place. Guyana’s leadership appears committed to a regulatory regime in which transparency and lawful conduct are non-negotiable prerequisites for participation in the mining sector.