Dredges continue to defy cease order in Potaro area

Environmental degradation caused by illegal mining on Micobie Village lands. (Amerindian People’s Association photo)
Environmental degradation caused by illegal mining on Micobie Village lands. (Amerindian People’s Association photo)

Officials of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Micobie Village Council yesterday went to the area where four dredges were continuing to defy a cease order to stop mining part of the bank of the Potaro River.

The operators of the dredges have been playing cat and mouse with the regulatory authorities all the while causing damage to the area.

The dredges have been using an excavator to clear lands on the bank of the Potaro River and engage in dredging activities.

One of two excavators that were hidden in nearby bushes. (APA photo)

On Wednesday, the Deputy Toshao of the community Vanessa Domingo related that although a cease order was issued to the persons conducting illegal mining activities in the area, the miners still continue to work during the nights.

Domingo added that the GGMC had also asked them to move further down the Potaro River but they still have not done so.

“GGMC gave them a cease order so they are parked but they are not moving from the spot because what they usually do when they get a cease order is they park for a time and then pull in at night to work,” she said.

However, yesterday the Deputy Toshao revealed that a team from the Village council and the GGMC were on location to monitor the situation and ensure that the miners follow the instructions of the GGMC officials. She said the miners assured them that they would relocate but as of yesterday afternoon they were still at the location.

Following a report in Stabroek News  of the illegal mining activities in the community, the Ministry of Natural Resources on Monday issued a statement saying that it notes with grave concern reports on the issue of environmental degradation in the form of mining at Micobie, at a section of the buffer zone of the Potaro River. The statement noted that the issue is an ongoing one and an investigation was conducted by the GGMC.

“The investigation has ascertained several facts which point to the accuracy of reports and the destruction of the river bank, among other breaches of the Mining Act Chapter 65:01. Specifically, the investigation concluded that the operators have no permission to be at the current location, hence there has been an immediate issuance of cease and removal orders. The Ministry condemns such acts and urges all parties to desist from such activities, lest they are prosecuted to the full extent of the Law,” the release added.

Meanwhile, the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) posted on Facebook that a team from the organization visited the community on November 11, as part of activities under the Amazonia 2.0 project. While the team was there, residents expressed concerns about illegal mining taking place on their titled lands.

The team then visited the area in question accompanied by a councilor of the Micobie Village Council.

“As the team closed in on the area, four, hydraulic dredges (Dragga), were seen on the community’s land. However, as they approached, the dredges (Dragga) and several workers retreated to the other side of the river. Nevertheless, the team was able to capture images and videos of the damage done to the land as a result of the illegal mining, the two excavators hidden in the nearby bushes and workers removing their equipment from the village lands,” the post added.