Mining equipment seized to curb illegal discharge of waste materials in Walabaka Basin

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) with assistance from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have seized 15 pieces of mining equipment, including engines, excavators and pumps, have been seized following repeated warnings to errant miners within the Walabaka Four Miles area in Mining District #5 who have been discharging tailings (waste materials) in the Walabaka Basin.

See full statement below:

The Ministry of Natural Resources wishes to inform the public that enforcement action has been taken to address the illegal discharge of tailings (waste materials) by errant miners within the Walabaka Four Miles area in Mining District #5.

The Walabaka Basin has been a source of concern since late 2024 due to persistently high levels of turbidity, commonly referred to as muddy water, resulting from mining activity within the area.

Over the past several months, the Mines Technical and Environmental Departments of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) have been working with operators to improve the containment of tailings and prevent the release of sediment-laden water into nearby waterways.

Despite these interventions, some errant miners continued to directly discharge tailings and release turbid water from holding ponds into the Walabaka Creek. This has had a direct impact on Pump Creek, where the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) pumps water for treatment and distribution to residents of Port Kaituma.

On April 15, 2026, Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Vickram Bharrat and Minister of Housing, Hon. Collin Croal visited the area and issued a stern warning to miners who were contributing to the pollution. The miners were given two weeks to bring their operations into compliance and were clearly advised that failure to take corrective action would result in consequences.

Despite this caution, the reckless discharge continued. As a result, hundreds of residents of Port Kaituma were affected by GWI’s inability to supply water due to the high levels of turbidity caused by irresponsible miners.

In response, the GGMC enforcement team, supported by members of the Guyana Police Force, was deployed to the Walabaka area on May 4, 2026. The team has since taken the necessary enforcement action to remedy the situation. To date, more than 15 pieces of mining equipment, including engines, excavators and pumps, have been seized. This enforcement exercise remains ongoing.

The Ministry of Natural Resources wishes to make it clear that while mining remains an important pillar of Guyana’s economy, it must be conducted responsibly and in full compliance with the law. Operators are required to take all necessary steps to prevent environmental damage, protect water sources and safeguard the health and wellbeing of communities.

The ministry, through the GGMC, will continue to monitor the Walabaka drainage basin and other mining areas across the country to ensure compliance with environmental and mining regulations. Operators who continue to act in disregard of the law will be held accountable.

The ministry also assures residents of Port Kaituma and surrounding communities that their concerns are being treated with urgency. The Government of Guyana remains committed to ensuring that mining development does not come at the expense of public health, clean water access, or environmental protection.