Rosebel Gold Mines N.V. (“RGM”) is aware of recent media reports about mining activities in the Overman area, including the Pelinbergi vicinity. We value the media and public attention to these activities and support transparent, accurate reporting and lawful investigations to establish the facts and protect the local environment and community safety.
The area identified in the reports falls within the area covered by RGM’s lawful exploration rights, not exploitation rights. This means RGM is authorized to conduct exploration activities in the area but does not hold the right to commercially mine or extract minerals there. RGM upholds these rights and has never authorized any other party to conduct the reported mining activities there. These activities are neither conducted by RGM nor carried out on its behalf. Such unauthorized extraction seriously infringes RGM’s lawful rights and impedes exploration and project preparation.
RGM identified these unauthorized activities as early as January 2020 and reported them to the relevant government authorities that month, requesting action. The company has continued to engage with the authorities and seek their support for removing these unauthorized miners. Since Zijin acquired RGM in 2023, the Company has wanted to conduct lawful exploration activities there but has been unable to do so because of site security concerns caused by unauthorized miners on the property.
We are particularly concerned about the reported use of chemicals and the potentially serious effects of these activities on local water bodies, soil, ecosystems, and community health. The chemicals involved, compliance with applicable requirements, and actual environmental impacts should be established through on-site investigations, sampling, and testing by the competent authorities.
RGM has requested support from the relevant government authorities to promptly coordinate site inspections, evidence collection, and environmental assessments, and to take the necessary lawful measures to stop unauthorized mining and prevent environmental risks from escalating. Subject to safe access, the company is willing to provide available information and necessary logistical assistance to support this work.
RGM will fully comply with Surinamese laws and regulations, pursue lawful means to protect its rights in the relevant exploration area, and continue collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to support responsible mining and environmental protection.
