GGMC refutes Marudi corruption claims
April 9 2026
The Ministry of Natural Resources has firmly rejected allegations of corruption and illegal activities at the Marudi Mining Project in Region Nine, with Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Newell Dennison, defending the agency’s management of the area.
In a detailed response, Dennison said the Marudi site has been under a mining licence for several years but was previously plagued by substandard operations, unsafe experiences, and unacceptable commercial activities.
He noted that efforts to bring order since 2020 had only yielded temporary improvements due to longstanding administrative challenges.
However, according to the Commissioner, targeted interventions—supported by Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat—have since helped stabilise operations through collaboration between the ministry, the GGMC and surrounding communities.
Addressing concerns over restricted access to the mining area, Dennison maintained that the measure is standard practice and not discriminatory.
There should be nothing controversial about restricted access, he said, explaining that several mining districts across Guyana operate under similar controls to ensure safety, regulatory compliance and security. He added that access is granted through established protocols to any legitimate authority seeking entry.
Dennison also dismissed allegations of large-scale gold smuggling from the site, describing the claims as baseless.
“The narrative of gold smuggling from the site has no merit,” he stated, pointing out that the Guyana Gold Board maintains a presence at Marudi to monitor and verify all gold declarations.
According to him, the logistical requirements for sustained smuggling operations—such as transportation and processing—make such claims implausible under the current system, where officers are stationed to ensure strict compliance.
Nonetheless, the Commissioner said the GGMC treats all such allegations seriously and is encouraging anyone with credible information to report it to the relevant authorities.
He further described recent mining operations at Marudi as largely positive, with improved structure and oversight compared to previous years.
The response comes amid allegations raised by the The Vision for Political Alternative Change, which has called for a full investigation into the project, citing concerns over governance, consultation with Indigenous communities, and claims of illicit activities.
