Guyana: Alphonsos and Azruddin Mohamed Dispute Gold Mining Rights in Guyana

A dispute has emerged between the Alphonso family and Azruddin Mohamed regarding gold mining rights at a quarry concession in Itaballi, Mazaruni. Azruddin Mohamed reported that the Alphonso family deployed equipment to mine for gold on his concession. In response, Alphonso Mining stated that it possesses the legal rights to mine on the same property, asserting that it has maintained these rights for the past 12 years.

Alphonso Mining claimed that it legally acquired subsurface rights to the gold and diamonds in the area through a public auction in 2014 and has paid all necessary fees for mining activities. The company rejected allegations that it lacks authority over the land and indicated plans to pursue legal action against what it termed “false and deliberately damaging statements” made by a social media account associated with Mohamed.

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat confirmed that a team was dispatched to investigate the situation, including a physical check by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). He noted that it is permissible by law to have separate mineral and quarry rights.

In an interview, Mohamed expressed confusion over how mineral rights could be granted for his quarry concession, stating he was unaware of any such rights being issued. He mentioned that his company, Hadi’s World Inc., had invested significantly in the area but faced challenges due to sanctions imposed by the U.S. Department of Treasury.

Mohamed also reported that small miners had been operating on his land without knowledge of the ownership dispute. Following the involvement of a task force, he became aware of the situation and indicated that he had requested local residents to monitor the land.

Alphonso Mining called for an investigation into who may have supported or funded unauthorized mining activities in the area. Mohamed, who is also the leader of the We Invest in Nationhood political party, expressed concerns about potential environmental impacts from mining operations conducted by the Alphonso family.

Both parties continue to assert their claims as the investigation unfolds.

Source: demerarawaves.com