In a significant enforcement action, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has immediately suspended operations for 107 Brazilian gold miners following a major joint operation in Georgetown that resulted in gold seizures and identification of undocumented individuals.
The regulatory body announced the sweeping suspensions on Monday, January 5, 2026, just two days after coordinated operations involving GGMC, the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Compliance Unit, and the Guyana Police Force. The suspended miners, predominantly based in Georgetown with some from Bartica, have lost all permissions to operate pending further engagement with regulatory authorities.
This crackdown follows a January 2 public notice requiring named individuals to present themselves to the GGMC. The Commission emphasized that the suspensions are without prejudice to additional regulatory or enforcement actions that may be pursued lawfully.
The Ministry of Natural Resources, while declining to specify the quantity of gold seized, characterized the operation as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and precious metal trading. ‘During these operations, several undocumented individuals were processed, gold was seized, and the verification of persons of interest was successfully completed,’ the ministry stated.
The Guyana government maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward illegal mining activities, with officials warning that similar operations will be conducted nationwide to ensure compliance with mining regulations. The ministry urged public cooperation in reporting suspicious activities related to illegal mining and trading.
This action aligns with President Irfaan Ali’s recent warnings that gold miners caught under-declaring production could face dredge deregistration, while foreign offenders—primarily Brazilians—could face prosecution and expulsion. The President had previously indicated Guyana’s commitment to partnering with the United States to combat gold smuggling that potentially empowers undemocratic forces.