Environment

In order to comply with best practices and international standards, an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (“ESIA”) was undertaken by an independent international environmental consultancy. An ESIA is a study used to understand how the project’s proposed activities will change the environment and affect the people living and working in the area. The ESIA identified and assessed the impacts associated with the planned gold mine and developed measures to be put in place to avoid or reduce negative impacts and maximize benefits.

In order for Newmont Suriname to obtain the right to mine for the Merian area, we had to submit a feasibility study and an ESIA. After the approval by the Republic of Suriname of the Merain ESIA, the Merian Right of Exploitation for gold and other minerals has been granted to Newmont Suriname. The full ESIA can be accessed in our document library

Newmont Suriname is committed to responsible environmental stewardship and we strive to operate in a way that protects the health, safety and overall wellbeing of host communities as well the environment. We have in place environmental standards that provide detailed training and awareness programs to our workforce while monitoring and reporting our performance.

Cyanide Code
Newmont Suriname’s Merian gold mine is certified under the International Cyanide Management Code. Subscription to the code is voluntary and represents international best practice in cyanide management.

Reclamation
Reclamation is an essential part of our operations. We conduct reclamation concurrently during operations and also after closure of the mine. Our goal is to achieve no net loss of biodiversity as a result of mining activities, and to rehabilitate the environment to benefit local communities long after mining ends.

Monitoring and Compliance
The Merian mine adheres to all legal requirements, environmental standards, policies and procedures. We work closely with local government agencies, including the National Institute for Environment and Development in Suriname to develop, implement and audit environmental programs and commitments.

Water
Suriname has a tropical climate, and the Merian mine operates with a positive water balance. This means that offsite release of water is required. To meet discharge water quality requirements, which were developed to protect human health and the environment and be consistent with national and international standards, water is treated in sedimentation ponds and a water treatment plant. Water quality discharges are closely monitored to ensure compliance with criteria.