Five Brazilians deported for illegal mining

April 1 2026

The Ministry of Natural Resources has welcomed swift action by the Guyana Police Force and regulatory agencies that resulted in the arrest and deportation of five Brazilian nationals for illegal entry and mining.

According to information from the Guyana Police Force, four of the men — Antonio Isal Das Soura, 49; Michael De Souza Martin, 26; Clinton Martins Fernandes, 19; and Matheus Sere Martins, 20 — appeared via Zoom before Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court. The men pleaded guilty to the offences and were ordered to leave Guyana within 24 hours.

According to a press statement from the Ministry of Natural Resources, the enforcement forms part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities across the country.

The Ministry of Natural Resources stressed that such operations are critical to protecting the environment, maintaining the rule of law, and safeguarding Guyana’s natural resources.

The ministry also warned that its enforcement campaign remains active nationwide, and individuals found violating mining regulations will face the full extent of the law.

(Newsroom photo)