GGMC orders parties off disputed mining claim until probe completed

Dec 04, 2013 News

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has ordered a halt to mining on an Upper Puruni claim that is at the centre of an escalating dispute between two parties contesting ownership.
Kaieteur News understands that the GGMC has told both parties to stay off the area until an investigation to ascertain the real owner is completed. The source said that this is standard procedure by the GGMC when conducting such investigations.
GGMC’s order came after one of the miners, Edgar Daniels, complained about alleged harassment from a prominent individual in the mining sector, whom he said has been intimidating his crew and working the claim illegally.
The long-running dispute over ownership reportedly ended in his favour just three months ago. Daniels had been working the claim when the dispute escalated last month – allegedly with men hired by the other miner firing shots at Daniels’ workers and encroaching on the claim.
A disappointed Daniels said yesterday that GGMC’s decision that he cease work was not “standard procedure”, since the Commission had allowed the other miner to work about 14 dredges on the disputed area when ownership was being contested in court.
“It gives the perception that some can do what they like, and nothing is said, but under other situations the GGMC will enforce the rules on the victim,” he said.
“This new Commissioner has been trying to enforce the rules, but the effects are still the same, because the person of influence is not hurt. The victim gets hurt by the illegal activity of the bully.
“I am extremely disappointed, particularly because the more serious offence, the use of firearms, is not being investigated. Maybe they are sending out a message that you must do what you have to do in your interest and don’t go to the authorities.”
Daniels, who said that he was licenced to operate the medium-scale claim since 2004, is alleging that the other miner has been encroaching on his claim and intimidating his employees.
In a statement to Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, the GGMC and the Commissioner of Police, he alleged that individuals hired by the miner fired shots at his crew on November 25, last, and forced them to hand over their earnings. According to Daniels, the men also set up a dredge on his claim.
He stated that the courts have resolved the matter of ownership in his favour since September 13, 2013.
A senior GGMC official told Kaieteur News yesterday that the Commission “has responded” to Mr. Daniels’ complaint, but declined to say what action the Commission has taken.
A Police official had acknowledged receipt of the report about the alleged invasion of the claim by armed men. He had told Kaieteur News on Monday that he would send ranks to the area once they are accompanied by mining officials.
However, the official said that the police will not be involved in any probe into who is the rightful owner of the claim. On the other hand, Kaieteur News understands that the GGMC’s investigation would only focus on the ownership of claim.

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