Newmont Suriname has reached one million ounces of gold poured at the
Merian gold mine in east Suriname two years after commercial production
began on 1 October 2016. Merian employs approximately 2,000 people and was
built safely, on time and approximately 20 percent below budget, with total
development capital of US$525 million invested by Newmont. Staatsolie, on
behalf of the Government of Suriname, owns 25 percent of the operation.
“This exciting milestone was achieved thanks to the hard work, commitment
and skill of our employees and business partners,” said Albert Ramdin,
Newmont’s Senior Director for External Relations in Suriname. “Our
partnerships with the government, Staatsolie and local Pamaka communities
form the foundation of the mine’s success and we look forward to many more
years of safe, efficient and responsible gold production in Suriname.”
In 2018, the second phase of the Merian project was completed safely, on
time and within budget with the construction of a primary crusher to
process harder ores that will be recovered, as the mine gets deeper.
Based on current gold Reserves, Newmont Suriname projects a mine life of
approximately 15 years for Merian. The Company is also conducting
exploration activities at Sabajo and in North and South Amazonia, which
could further expand and extend production in Suriname.
Newmont Suriname’s workforce is roughly 95 percent Surinamese, of which
one-fifth are from the Pamaka community. The Company continues investing in
local economic and social development through infrastructure, training and
local goods and services procurement.
In August of 2016, Newmont established the Pamaka Community Development
Foundation (CDF) to implement development projects in the Pamaka area. In
support of the Foundation, Newmont Suriname voluntarily contributes US$1
per gold ounce sold. The Board of Directors of the CDF consists of two
representatives of the Pamaka community, two Newmont representatives and
two from the government.
Through the CDF, sustainable development projects such as the potable water
project at Langa Tabiki are helping to improve lives for local communities.
Other community development projects funded by Newmont, Staatsolie and the
CDF include hydroponics training for Pamakans and electricity generation on
the island of Loka Loka.
About Merian
The Merian gold mine is located approximately 60 km south of Moengo,
Suriname and is predominantly in the Pamakan area about 15 km west of the
Marowijne River. Newmont Suriname, LLC, (previously known as Suriname Gold
Company, LLC) is a fully-owned subsidiary of Newmont Mining Corporation,
which operates the mine on behalf of Suriname Gold Project CV, a Suriname
limited partnership (the “CV”). Newmont Suriname is the managing partner,
owning a 75 percent interest in the limited partnership, and Staatsolie
Maatschappij Suriname N.V., Suriname’s State-owned oil company owns the
remaining 25 percent interest. Construction of Merian commenced in August
2014, and commercial production was achieved on 1 October 2016. Merian’s
focus is on delivering safe, efficient and responsible gold production
while generating sustainable value and opportunity for employees, local
communities, the local and national governments, and the CV’s owners.