PlanetGOLD Suriname Project has officially launched its collaboration with ILACO Suriname N.V., a leading Surinamese engineering and consultancy firm specializing in environmental studies and soil, water, and sediment research. The partnership was formalized during a kick-off meeting marking the start of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for two pilot areas: Nyun Jacobkondre and Sarakreek.

The ESIA is a key step towards achieving responsible and sustainable gold mining in Suriname. The study will assess potential environmental and social impacts of project activities and will include the preparation of an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP).

The assessment will comply with both national and international standards, including:

• The National Environmental Framework Act and the National Environmental Authority’s MEA guidelines (Screening, Scoping, Assessment, Review, Monitoring & Advice).
• The UNDP Social and Environmental Standards (SES).
• Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) principles for Indigenous and Maroon community consultations.
• And other recognized best practices (IFC, WHO, Dutch Intervention Values).

“A comprehensive ESIA and a well-structured management plan are vital to understand and reduce the environmental and social impacts of small-scale gold mining,” said the PlanetGOLD Suriname team. “They allow us to design sustainable alternatives, protect ecosystems, and ensure meaningful community participation.”

PlanetGOLD Suriname, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and executed by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), aims to reduce mercury use in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector. The project promotes awareness, access to cleaner technologies, capacity building, and improved policy and market conditions for miners.

This partnership with ILACO represents a significant milestone in the project’s implementation, reinforcing Suriname’s commitment to environmental protection, sustainable development, and safe mining practices.