Paramaribo – On Saturday, January 18, the premier of two impactful short films took place at TBL Cinemas, highlighting the dangers of small-scale mining (SSM) and pit intrusion within the industrial zone of Rosebel Gold Mines (RGM). These films were produced by youths aged 10 to 16 from the communities of Compagniekreek, Brownsweg, and Nieuw Koffiekamp as part of the project “Brokopondo Youth Educating and Raising Awareness About the Hazards of SSM.” This event was attended by the Permanent Secretary of Mining of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ms. Preciosa Simons, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministery of Spatial Planning and Environment, Ms. Jiechel Kasandiredjo, the director of the National Environmental Authority, Ms. Vanuessa Gefferie, the project Manager of the EMSAGS project, Ms. Sandra Biharie, representatives of the Traditional Authority of Brokopondo, RGM’s Community Relations Development Manager, Mr. Jerry Finisie, who is also the vice-chair of the Rosebel Community Fund (RCF).
This initiative is the fruit of a collaboration between Rosebel Gold Mines and the EMSAGS Project (Improving Environmental Management in the Mining Sector of Suriname, with Emphasis on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining). To address these challenges, the EMSAGS Project and RGM empowered local youths to create educational videos aimed at raising awareness about these dangers. Through peer-to-peer education, the young filmmakers explored the health and environmental risks associated with small-scale mining, including chemical exposure and unsafe practices like pit intrusion in RGM’s mines. This initiative is financed with resources from the Rosebel Community Fund and the EMSAGS Project.
Brokopondo, a rural district with limited formal employment opportunities, has seen many residents turn to small-scale gold mining as a livelihood. Unfortunately, the use of hazardous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide in mining, coupled with unsafe pit intrusion practices, poses significant threats to the community’s health and the environment. Many young people in the district aspire to work in the sector or are already involved in SSM without fully understanding the risks.
During the premier, Ms. Vanuessa Gefferieexplained that the role of the National Environmental Authority in Suriname, which was founded in 2024, is responsible for protecting the environment. She also explained that the protection starts at home, educating children while young about these subjects. She thanked RGM and EMSAGS for making this project possible.
Captain of the Community of Nieuw Koffiekamp, Mr. Herman Schalkwijk, said to be honored to see the youth engaging in this project, because they represent the future of the district. He incentivized the youth to study and to look at the opportunities education brings, as “gold is temporary, but education can offer much more”, explaining that gold is a limited resource, while education can offer a bigger scope of opportunities regarding income and development for the individual and for the country.
Jerry Finisie, vice-chair of the RCF, explained about the challenges that Rosebel faces regarding pit intrusion. In the past, these intrusions have led to fatal incidents. He said that all, families, schools and other organizations, should help address this matter. He encouraged the youngsters to continue studying and mentioned to the Brokopondo High School Complex that is being build. He finished his speech by acknowledging the efforts of the young participants of this project.
Ms. Preciosa Simons, explained in her speech that the Ministry of Natural Resources is one of the implementing partners in the EMSAGS Project. She encouraged the youth to reflect on their future and the direction they wish to take, emphasizing to reflect on the consequences of these choices. She ended her speech by highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in the Mining industry.
Ms. Sandra Bihari, Director of the EMSAGS Project, provided more insight on what the main focus of the EMSAGS Project is, which is to improve the management of artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Suriname and promote uptake of environmentally responsible mining technologies to reduce the negative effects on biodiversity, forests, water, and local communities. Furthermore, she emphasized that the project “Brokopondo Youth Educating and Raising Awareness About the Hazards of SSM” does not stop with this event, but that it will continue to by broadcast the message of awareness to other communities and districts. For this, tablets were handed over to the 18 young participants, so that they can use them to promote more awareness on this matter. She finished her speech by congratulating the participants and also informed that the EMSAGS Project is working on promoting the video’s through television channels.
The “Brokopondo Youth Educating and Raising Awareness About the Hazards of SSM” project exemplifies how youth-driven initiatives can inspire change, educate peers, and build a foundation for more sustainable and responsible mining practices. Rosebel Gold Mines and EMSAGS are proud to support these young leaders in creating a safer and healthier future for Brokopondo and Suriname as a whole.
