[3] Gold mining, done by dredging, pollutes waterways and in 2012, a series of conflicts arose between miners and Amerindians who rely on the water from the Kako River.

After a third attempt was made to mine the area, an ex-parte injunction was brought against Toshao Mario Hastings.

Amerindian groups defended Hastings, pointing out that the government is denying the people protection of their own land.

[4] In March 2013, the United Nations Committee on International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination expressed concern over mining on titled land at the Cuyuni/Mazaruni communities of Kako and Isseneru.

The Kako River is an important source of water and food, as well as supporting village agriculture and transportation.