New MTEC in Snesi Kondre to Promote Sustainable Gold Mining Sector

The MTEC is part of the EMSAGS project (Improving Environmental Management in the Mining Sector of Suriname, with Emphasis on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining), which focuses on improving environmental management in the mining sector, with special emphasis on small-scale gold mining.

“If you talk about sustainability and your national action plan includes phasing out mercury use in the small-scale gold mining sector, then you must also be able to offer alternatives to the sector,” emphasized project manager Sandra Bihari during the opening. For this reason, the MTECs have been established, where not only miners but entire communities are trained and informed about more sustainable gold mining practices.

Among those present at the opening were Minister David Abiamofo of Natural Resources, Minister Patrick Brunings of Oil, Gas and Environment, French Ambassador Nicolas de Lacoste, Ms. Vanuessa Gefferie (Director of the National Environmental Authority – NMA), representatives of UNDP Suriname, District Commissioner Fulgence Javinde, and Mr. Erwin Kamil, Chairman of the Small-Scale Miners Platform Paamaka and representative of the traditional authorities.

In addition to technical innovation in the sector, EMSAGS also focuses on strengthening the capacity of key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Natural Resources, the NMA, the Geological Mining Department (GMD), and the Small-Scale Gold Sector Regulation body (OKGS).

Contributing to a Turning Point

Minister of Environment Patrick Brunings described the opening of the MTEC in Snesi Kondre as a “special day.” It was his second visit to the area in a short period, having previously flown over the region—an experience that deeply affected him.

“I am rarely emotional, but when I flew over this area, it affected me deeply as a Surinamese,” he said, referring to the severe environmental impacts of small-scale gold mining, which are even more striking when viewed from above.

“It has to change. We have been saying this for a long time, but if we do not intervene now, it will become irreversible,” Brunings warned. Speaking about the MTEC, he added: “I believe that with such a center, we can contribute to that turning point. We must become an example in this region of how things can be done differently.”

Collaboration and Engagement

Brunings emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders. While enforcement remains important, the MTEC approach deliberately focuses on cooperation and engagement. Miners receive on-site training, with instructors going into the field to share knowledge on more efficient and environmentally friendly practices.

Snesi Kondre is located in a region where small-scale gold mining is a major source of income and basic services are limited. By establishing the center there, the goal is to create faster and more meaningful impact.

Minister Abiamofo highlighted the critical lack of alternative employment opportunities as a major challenge, making small-scale gold mining a necessary and important source of income for many local residents.

“You must offer people alternatives—not only in terms of employment, but also for mercury-free gold mining. And once I have provided that alternative, then it stops there,” Abiamofo stated.

Social Services

Local communities are also being strengthened through social services. In collaboration with partners such as Newmont Suriname and the Lobi Health Center Foundation, healthcare services are being brought to the area, with special attention to reproductive health.

At the same time, access to government services is being improved: a police post will be established, and the multifunctional government center located directly opposite the MTEC will provide services such as civil affairs, legal support, and policing.

Building on Experience

The MTEC in Snesi Kondre builds on the experience of the first center in Brownsweg (Brokopondo district), which has been operational since 2023. Each MTEC is linked to a demonstration site: Brokopondo received a mercury-free mining site in 2024 at Compagnie Creek. A new follow-up demonstration site will soon be established there in collaboration with Zijin Rosebel Gold Mines and Kamp Mining. A similar demo site will also be developed in the Paamaka area.

The MTEC is housed in a renovated building of the former School of Mining and Mineral Processing and is equipped with solar energy and rainwater harvesting systems. In this way, sustainability is not only discussed but also practically implemented.

With the commissioning of the MTEC in Snesi Kondre, another important step has been taken toward making the small-scale gold mining sector more sustainable, with the intention of expanding this approach to other areas in the future.