Marchallkreek, Suriname – Zijin Rosebel Gold Mines (RGM) successfully hosted its 2026 Community Participatory Initiative in Marchallkreek, reaffirming its commitment to responsible mining, sustainable community development, and meaningful engagement with its Communities of Interest (COIs).
The Community Participatory Initiative is an annual volunteer program that brings together RGM employees and community members to collaborate on projects that create lasting social value. Introduced in 2025, with the first edition held in Balingsoela, the initiative promotes employee volunteerism while strengthening relationships between the company and neighboring communities. This year’s edition marked the second consecutive year of the program, with Marchallkreek selected as the first community visited in 2026 as part of RGM’s commitment to ensuring that all COIs receive equitable attention over time.
This year’s activity centered on the construction of a raised vegetable garden at W.A. Liefde Primary School. RGM employees worked alongside the village’s traditional authority, community members, school staff, pupils, and local supplier Donagey Mosis to establish the garden while learning practical gardening techniques, including soil preparation, crop selection, planting, and maintenance. The collaborative effort created opportunities for knowledge sharing, teamwork, and meaningful interaction beyond the company’s daily operations.
A highlight of the day was the official handover of gardening tools by Sustainability Director Soetjipto Verkuijl to the leadership of W.A. Liefde Primary School. The donation will enable the school to maintain the garden and provide pupils with continued hands-on learning while supporting access to fresh vegetables.
Community leaders and school representatives expressed their appreciation for the initiative, noting that the project will benefit both current and future pupils. Participating employees described the experience as rewarding and insightful, emphasizing the value of working directly with community members and gaining a deeper understanding of local priorities.
The Community Participatory Initiative reflects RGM’s broader commitment to responsible mining by strengthening stakeholder relationships and encouraging employees to contribute directly to community well-being. Through continued collaboration, mutual respect, and volunteerism, RGM remains dedicated to creating shared value and building strong, lasting partnerships with the communities surrounding its operations.
