ARTISANAL MINING
Illegal Gold Mine Collapse in Suriname: A Tragic Mishap

By: BNN Correspondents
6 hours ago


In a tragic turn of events, an unregulated gold mine in the Surinamese region of Kleine Saramacca collapsed, causing multiple fatalities. The exact number of casualties remains uncertain, with local media reporting between 18 and 21 deaths, though official confirmation is still pending.

Mine Collapse: A Grisly Picture

The catastrophe unfolded as the mine’s shaft gave way, trapping the miners who were in search of gold. The mine, once operated by Canadian firm Iamgold, was acquired by China’s Zijin Mining in February 2023. President Chan Santokhi apprised the parliament of the dire situation, stating that at least ten people were believed to be buried, with the possibility of more.

Illegal Mining: A Persistent Issue

Highlighting the persistent issue of illegal mining in regions rich in gold deposits, President Santokhi informed the parliament that the site had previously seen eviction of illegal miners. Despite the Zijin Mining Company’s request for security measures leading to the dismantling of miners’ camps by the military and police, small-scale miners tend to quickly return to such profitable sites.

Rescue and Recovery: A Daunting Task

At present, the focus is on locating survivors and initiating recovery operations. Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk has flown to the disaster area, while emergency services, including the military, police, and the National Coordination Center for Disaster Management, have been mobilized for assistance. The incident, reported to the President during parliamentary proceedings, underscores the urgent need for stringent regulation of mining activities in the region.