GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) says 100 Brazilian miners have been suspended from all mining operations with immediate effect.

In a brief statement, the GGMC said it is also suspending with immediate effect the miners’ permission to operate and any related authorisation.

“Such suspension takes effect immediately and shall remain in force pending the affected persons’ engagement with, and compliance to the satisfaction of, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission,” the GGMC said, adding that this notice is issued “without prejudice to any further regulatory or enforcement action which the commission may lawfully pursue”.

Last weekend, the Guyana Government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources, said it had carried out joint operations with the GGMC, the ministry’s Compliance Unit, and the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

It said during these operations, several undocumented individuals were processed, gold was seized and the verification of persons of interest was successfully completed.

“This initiative is a part of our ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and the trading of precious metals in our country,” the ministry said in a statement.

Last Friday, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali said gold miners who fail to declare their production will face immediate consequences, including deregistration, prosecution and possible expulsion as the Government intensifies its crackdown on illegal and non-compliant mining operations.

“All registered dredges with no declaration will be deregistered, and all foreign miners operating illegally in Guyana must be identified for prosecution and expulsion,” Ali said.

Guyana last year set a target of 500,000 ounces of gold, and according to a government statement, Ali directed that immediate action be taken to ensure that all gold miners fully comply with their obligations to declare all gold produced in 2025.