The fight against illegal gold mining in Guyana is strengthening. A recent operation made it possible to dismantle 42 clandestine sites, inflicting significant financial losses on smugglers.
A major operation against illegal logging
Between October 17 and November 9, a major operation made it possible to dismantle 42 sites ofillegal gold panning in the Camopi region, southeast of the Guyana. Following the seizures and destruction, the losses for the smugglers exceed 1.5 million euros, according to the Prefecture.
Two individuals, including one in an irregular situation, were arrested during these interventions. The authorities are continuing their efforts to avoid the re-occupation of the premises.
More than 7,000 illegal gold prospectors
According to a report published by the Prefecture, the Guyana numbered around 7,200 in 2023 illegal gold miners. They were spread across 400 operating sites, mainly in the west, near the borders with Brazil and Suriname.
In all, nearly five tonnes of gold were clandestinely extracted during the year, highlighting the scale of the phenomenon.
