HGP Nightly News – Political Movement VPAC is calling for a thorough investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding mining operations in the Marudi Mountains in Region Nine, raising concerns about the legality, oversight and transparency of activities taking place there. In a strongly worded statement, the party claimed that serious questions remain unanswered about how mining is being conducted in the area, and argued that the matter now requires urgent attention from the relevant state authorities.
According to VPAC, recent reports allegedly indicate that mining operations in the Marudi Mountains remain active under a Special Mining Permit that had been issued to the Rupununi Miners Association, even though the association was reportedly dissolved in May 2023. The party said that while government-aligned accounts have portrayed the area as operating under a structured and controlled system with limited miners and improved safety conditions, independent reporting and testimonies from miners have allegedly suggested a different situation on the ground.
VPAC also claimed that Indigenous Wapichan communities, represented by the South Rupununi District Council, continue to maintain that proper consultation and Free, Prior and Informed Consent were never obtained. According to the party, that issue remains one of the most serious aspects of the controversy, since it raises questions about whether affected Indigenous communities were meaningfully consulted before decisions were made regarding mining activity in the area.
The party further alleged that foreign miners, particularly Brazilians, are significantly involved in operations in the Marudi area, and claimed that the activity may even include illegal airstrips. VPAC also pointed to allegations made by opposition figures that millions of U.S. dollars in gold are allegedly being smuggled out of the region on a daily basis. Those are serious claims and, at this stage, remain allegations that would require formal investigation and verification by the relevant authorities.
In addition, VPAC claimed that access to the region is being limited while there has allegedly been insufficient public disclosure about the mining arrangements in place. The party also referenced allegations suggesting that some local Indigenous leaders may have been paid off, raising further concerns about possible corruption and the integrity of decision-making at the village level. Those claims too remain unproven and would need to be independently examined.
Against that backdrop, VPAC is calling on the ministers with responsibility for Natural Resources and Amerindian Affairs to urgently probe what it describes as a recurring issue. The party argued that the allegations surrounding Marudi are too serious to ignore and said affected Indigenous communities deserve clear answers. With claims involving alleged unlawful operations, possible smuggling, questions over consultation and concerns about accountability, the issue is likely to remain under scrutiny as pressure grows for a transparent investigation.
