Local stakeholder consultations on the development of the Responsible Mining Strategy and Action Plan (RMSAP)
Supported by the EMSAGS project, the government of Suriname is in the process of developing a Responsible Mining Strategy and Action Plan (RMSAP). This strategy and accompanying action plan are foreseen to minimize the negative impacts of unsustainable practices in small-scale gold mining.
This document must provide sustainable solutions aligned with national and international standards and address the environmental, institutional, and socio-economic challenges in small-scale gold mining in Suriname and the affected areas.
From January 27 to February 2, 2026, a consultation team conducted consultations with local key stakeholders at Brownsweg- Brokopondo and the Pamaaka area, including community consultations at Langatabiki, Loka Loka and Snesi Kondre.
During the mission, mining hotspots (legal concessions and informal operations) and adjacent communities were visited to:
- Gain a first-hand understanding of the mining sites, existing production processes, and the mining context to assess challenges and opportunities.
- Understand and assess local socio-economic dynamics, including gender roles and youth involvement, environmental and safety conditions in mining communities, and the availability of services (health, water, sanitation, communications, financial services, security), as well as potential governance gaps.
- Engage key stakeholders (miners, community members, government, NGOs, concession holders) and establish local partnerships to support the long-term implementation of the strategy.
The goal for the final RMSAP is to present a clear institutional framework, implementation mechanisms, and action points that will promote environmentally sound mining practices, reduce the use of mercury and cyanide, and improve enforcement in the ASGM sector in Suriname.
Together, we are working towards a cleaner, safer, and more responsible mining future for Suriname.
