Keeping the Community Clean in Suriname

Newmont’s Merian operation in Suriname is committed to building strong relationships with the local community and to supporting environmental stewardship in the region. Recently, employees and members of the local Pamaka government worked together to clean up debris and litter along the shore of the Marowijne River in Langa Tabiki village.

A group of more than 25 volunteers collected 60 garbage bags worth of waste.

Ross Polis, superintendent of the Environmental Department at Newmont Suriname, stressed the importance of this type of engagement: “In just a few hours, we made a big difference. It is important that we share our knowledge about waste disposal with the community.”

District Commissioner Margaretha Malonti, who also took part in the clean-up activities, was pleased with the initiative. She is encouraged by the working relationship between Newmont and her local government, adding, “Plans are in the works to continue to raise awareness about litter and to discourage the dumping of waste in these areas.”

Together with the Commissioner’s office, Newmont Suriname is committed to working on a permanent waste disposal solution for villages along the river.

As part of this initiative, large trash bins will be placed at the Langa Tabiki dock so that villagers and visitors have a proper place to dispose of their trash. Newmont Suriname has committed to ensuring that the bins are emptied on a regular basis.

Find out more about Newmont Suriname’s commitment to community engagement in this operational fact sheet.