Police issue evacuation order to illegal miners

PARAMARIBO (CMC):

The Suriname Police Force (KPS) has given illegal miners until Friday to leave the concession of the Chinese-owned Zijin/Rosebel Gold Mines (RGM), where a recent accident claimed a life.

Police said the area must be entirely vacated by 8 a.m. (local time) on Friday and that all miners must dismantle their camps and remove personal belongings and equipment. After the evacuation, the area must remain empty.

But legislator Edgar Sampie has urged the authorities to reconsider, warning of the social fallout of a forced removal.

Sampie, a member of the General Liberation and Development Party (ABOP) — one of the five parties that joined the National Democratic Party (NDP) in forming the government last year—said many miners had worked in the area for years and had made sizeable investments. “There are people who have built houses, purchased machinery, and see this work as their permanent source of income,” she told the online publication Starnieuws. The proceeds, she said, have gone toward supporting families, paying school fees, reducing debts, and building livelihoods. “Some even have cars on installments and houses under construction.”

While the miners do not dispute that they are operating on concession land, Sampie said they want clarity on the government’s plans. “The big question is: what happens to these people if they are evicted? How will they be accommodated?” she said. She urged dialogue, warning that “if you remove this group without an alternative, I fear that crime will increase, not only in Paramaribo, but also in the interior and elsewhere in Suriname”.

“We don’t want that. And we also don’t want a confrontation between citizens and the authorities, the police, or the military,” she added, suggesting that agreements could be reached with Zijin on protocols, demarcated zones or alternative areas where miners could operate lawfully.

Sampie said that while she lacks the authority to halt the eviction, she intends to persuade the Ministers of Justice and Police and of Natural Resources to meet representatives of the miners. “The government must be willing to listen to these people and work together to find a solution that is supported by both sides.”

Last month, Natural Resources Minister David Abiamofo described the situation around the mine as “unacceptable and very serious”.

Rosebel Gold Mines, established in 2002, became a subsidiary of Zijin Mining in February 2023. Located in the Brokopondo and Sipaliwini districts, it is one of South America’s largest operational gold mines. From 2004 to 2021, it produced 5.65 million ounces of gold, with an annual average output of 314,000 ounces.

In a statement, RGM confirmed that “a serious security incident occurred” on January 23 after “unauthorised individuals entered a restricted and active mining site without permission”. One person fell into the pit and died. “Any loss of life is tragic, and the company recognises the profound impact such events have on families and communities,” RGM said.

Abiamofo told the National Assembly that improving safety at the mines had become essential. He said damage caused by illegal occupation was estimated at US$12.5 million and that sometimes more than 200 unauthorised people were present in active mining areas while heavy machinery, including excavators, was in operation. “That is extremely dangerous and asking for trouble,” he said.

At the same time, he acknowledged the mine’s economic importance. About 1,600 Surinamese work directly for RGM, while a further 3,000 jobs depend on the mine through suppliers and service providers.