Suriname crackdown on illegal gold mining and logging

In late July 2026, the Surinamese Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management met with Matawai community leaders to address rising illegal gold mining, poaching, and other forest crimes. The parties agreed to set up a permanent control post, expand monitoring, and train community members as rangers, with support from NGOs and the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent guiding future concessions.

A week later, President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons announced the creation of a national Gold Authority to place the entire gold value chain under state supervision. The Authority aims to halt uncontrolled gold exports, boost treasury revenue, and improve security in mining zones plagued by armed groups. The government also highlighted cooperation with the planetGOLD programme, the Inter-American Development Bank, and local communities to promote mercury-free extraction and better registration of mining activities.

By late August, the government expanded its enforcement focus to include unauthorized logging and illegal settlements in the interior. Minister Stanley Soeropawiro announced that following a two-week grace period, the state intends to remove individuals operating without legal permission to fell trees or reside on specific lands. Following investigations into the use of heavy machinery for illegal logging, the government issued eviction notices, and the grace period for these groups has now expired.

Concerns persist regarding large-scale deforestation in the Tigri region, a territory subject to a long-standing dispute between Suriname and Guyana. Soeropawiro reported significant timber removal in the area, which is currently under Guyanese control, noting that the government remains reliant on satellite imagery due to limited physical capacity in the zone. Additionally, the government is contesting an $86 million damage claim from Braganza Marketing Group regarding Mennonite settlements, maintaining that the group failed to conduct required environmental impact studies.