On November 20, 2023, at approximately 16:00 Suriname time, illegal mining activities resulted in the collapse of a tunnel outside the mining licenses of Rosebel Gold Mines(RGM), a subsidiary of Zijin Mining based in the country. Approximately 20 illegal miners are currently trapped in a self-dug, makeshift tunnel. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed by the government. In the wake of the accident, the Surinamese government immediately launched a rescue operation, and RGM has since been assisting in the rescue efforts on humanitarian grounds.

In October 2022, Zijin Mining offered to acquire a 95% interest in RGM for $360 million and completed the acquisition by the end of January 2023. The company generated profits soon after the acquisition and produced 5.66 tonnes of gold from February to September 2023. The accident, which happened as a result of illegal mining activities outside RGM’s mining licenses, had no adverse impact on the company’s production and operations.

We hereby express our condolences to the bereaved families and wish them strength and fortitude with this grievous loss.