# Environmental and mining concerns in Suriname > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/environmental-and-mining-concerns-in-suriname > Updated: 2026-10-18T15:00:05.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Environmental concerns in Suriname have centered on the impacts of mining and land-use changes. Rosebel Gold Mines (RGM) reported that unauthorized mining in the Pelin Bergi area has persisted since January 2020 despite government awareness. RGM stated these activities hinder legitimate exploration and pose safety risks. Lawmakers visiting the site expressed concerns regarding environmental damage and the potential use of cyanide, calling for independent soil and water analyses. Broader ecological data indicates significant land-use shifts in the country. Between 1985 and 2025, forest cover decreased by more than 166,000 hectares, while mining areas expanded by over 850 percent. Although Suriname maintains a forest cover of approximately 92.54 percent, officials noted an average annual loss of 10,000 hectares between 2018 and 2023. Environmental organizations have organized sessions to address these deforestation risks, specifically regarding agricultural and livestock projects. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-18: Suriname environmental groups warn of deforestation risks Surinamese environmental groups are raising alarms over large-scale deforestation linked to Braganza Marketing Group N. V. agricultural projects and rising mining activities. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/suriname-environmental-groups-warn-of-deforestation-risks ### 2026-09-26: Rosebel Gold Mines reports ongoing illegal mining in Pelin Bergi Rosebel Gold Mines reports that illegal mining in Suriname's Pelin Bergi area has persisted despite government warnings since 2020, prompting calls for a halt to activities due to environmental risks. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rosebel-gold-mines-reports-ongoing-illegal-mining-in-pelin-bergi --- Cite as: Environmental and mining concerns in Suriname. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/environmental-and-mining-concerns-in-suriname