Three miners, including two foreign nationals, have been detained after authorities uncovered an illegal mining operation along the Siparuni Riverbank in Region Eight.
The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission says its Enforcement Team discovered machinery positioned on the riverbank, with a river dredge being used to extract minerals directly from the area.
The operation reportedly damaged the riverbank, and authorities are now assessing the extent of that damage.
GGMC seized the dredge and other equipment found at the site, including a motor vehicle.
The matter has since been handed over to the Guyana Police Force for further investigation.
According to GGMC, the miner responsible will also have to account for the gold extracted and cover the cost of reclaiming the damaged area.
The Commission is reminding miners that operations must comply with required approvals and environmental safeguards, warning that operators will be held accountable for illegal mining and environmental damage.
