GGMC moves to enforce gold declaration compliance
The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has moved to immediately suspend the mining operations of 107 Brazilian miners, following their failure to engage the Commission after being formally called in over compliance issues.
In a notice issued by the GGMC, the Commission announced the immediate suspension of all mining operations, Permissions to Operate, and any related authorisations held by the named individuals. The suspensions take effect at once and will remain in force until the affected persons engage with the Commission and satisfy its compliance requirements.
The GGMC made it clear that the action is without prejudice to further regulatory or enforcement measures, which may include additional penalties under the law.
The suspensions follow a public notice issued on January 2, 2026, which required several individuals to present themselves to the Commission regarding their mining activities. Those who failed to comply are now among the suspended operators.
The enforcement action comes against the backdrop of a high-level meeting convened by President Dr Irfaan Ali at State House on January 2, involving the Ministry of Natural Resources and the GGMC. During that meeting, the President directed that immediate steps be taken to ensure all gold mined in 2025 is properly declared, warning that non-compliance would attract firm consequences.
It was noted during the engagement that some Brazilian miners operating in Guyana had made very low or no gold declarations, prompting a 24-hour ultimatum for full compliance with Guyanese law and the declaration requirements of the Guyana Gold Board. The President also instructed that registered dredges with no declarations be deregistered, and that foreign miners operating illegally be identified for prosecution and expulsion.
In addition, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources, has been tasked with ensuring that all miners operating in Guyana are properly registered and maintain local bank accounts.
GGDMA President Ronaldo Alphonso has since urged miners to comply fully with the law, stressing that proper declarations are critical to the l`ong-term sustainability of the sector.
The GGMC has reiterated that engagement and compliance remain the pathway for any affected miner seeking the lifting of the suspension.
