PARAMARIBO — In the preparation of the expansion plan of the Saramacca Mining project, which is being implemented by Staatsolie and Zijin/Rosebel Gold Mines, it has become apparent that there will be a shortage of workers. During the presentation of the plan to President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons on Tuesday, the challenges posed by the shortage of workers were specifically discussed. “And what we could do together with the government to reduce that gap,” Jerry Finisie, Community Relations and Development Manager of Zijin/Rosebel Gold Mines, told the Suriname Communications Service.
According to him, the head of state has shown her willingness to look at options together with companies and their working arms. The focus will be on existing institutes, such as the Natural Technology Institute. Short-term training courses will also be considered. “To ensure that we have enough qualified workers in Suriname to fulfill those functions during the expansion,” says Finisie. He emphasized that it should not be the intention that foreigners should be brought in to do the work.
“It should by no means be the intention that foreigners should be brought in to do the work“
Jerry Finisie
According to the Zijin official, many Surinamese are looking for work, but the gap between the necessary skills that companies want must be closed. “You can fulfill this through training and the president is open to that,” says Finisie. According to him, approximately 3,600 new jobs will be needed within the Saramacca Mining project. He therefore encourages job seekers to undergo training and further education so that they will be able to find work within the mining sector. This also applies to the oil and gas sector.
Finisie indicated that the activities of the expansion plan should be operational as early as 2027. He considers the joint venture between the state-owned company and the gold multinational to be a sound collaboration for Suriname. With Staatsolie’s participation, the state earns more from the gold sector. The two companies wanted to talk to the president about the prospects and present the plans of the project. They have said that they are satisfied with the meeting with Geerlings-Simons, as the president is prepared to look for solutions to the challenges together with her working arms.
Caption:
Photo / CDS
President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons (sixth from the left) had a presentation at her cabinet on Tuesday from representatives of Staatsolie and Zijin/Rosebel Gold Mines about the expansion plans of the Saramacca Mining project.-.
