PARAMARIBO — In response to Zijin/Rosebel Gold Mines’ intention to continue cooperation with the Matawai until the end of the year, provided that the agreements made are respected, the traditional authority of the Matawai has urged the mining company to extend current activities for at least three years. This became clear on Monday during follow-up consultations about the situation in the Moeroekreek area at the Ministry of Natural Resources (NH). The parties had previously sat down on October 27.
Captain Gideon Mosesi stated on Monday that Zijin makes an “insufficient contribution” to the sustainable development of the area. He therefore believed that the community should be given more opportunities to independently meet its subsistence needs. “If they cannot help us develop our area, give us the space to develop it ourselves,” Mosesi said.
Chief Captain Inse Emanuel, who pointed out that water problems are hampering the current work, also underlined the need for an extension. Granman Lesley Valentijn indicated that he understood Zijin’s position, but at the same time asked for mutual understanding of the situation of the Matawai. He hopes that the company will respond positively to the requests during the next meeting on November 20, when the progress of the agreements made and further development options for the Matawai will be discussed.
Furthermore, the traditional authority wants to talk directly with the management of Zijin. A permanent point of contact within the company was also requested to improve communication and follow-up of agreements. Company representatives have agreed to convey this request.
Registration of gold diggers
Zijin announced on Monday that it is investigating two alternative locations where Matawai could develop mining activities in the future. In the meantime, the community has started implementing previous agreements on the registration of gold miners in the Moeroekreek area. The number of gold diggers present must be reduced to the originally agreed 250 people.
District Commissioner Ruth Beely of Upper Saramacca advocated the establishment of a monitoring committee to monitor compliance with the agreements. She suggested that both the government and Zijin be involved in the registration.
Bridge connection
During the follow-up consultation, the accessibility of the Matawai was an important point of attention. Mosesi emphasized that the construction of a bridge is necessary for the further development of the area. The community previously repaired the road itself and has now saved part of the money needed to build the bridge. However, a sustainable solution remains necessary. Responding to this, DC Beely noted that the current situation hinders further development of the area.
The situation in Commissioner Kondre, about which separate consultations took place on November 8 and agreements were made, was also discussed. Zijin stated that he is currently working on a water project in Commissioner Kondre. The Matawai community has also requested to participate in the 21 Bergi area.
