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Traditional Authorities Visit Rosebel Gold Mines N.V. - Strengthening Community Ties and Future Collaborations
2024/05/21 2890

On May 18, 2024, Rosebel Gold Mines N.V. (RGM) had the honor of welcoming the Traditional Authorities from Brokopondo and Pikin Saramacca. Representing the heart of our local communities, the visit underscores our dedication to fostering strong, transparent, and trusting relationships and mutually beneficial partnerships with the local communities where we operate.

The delegation from Brokopondo and Pikin Saramacca was warmly received by the General Manager of RGM, Victor Wu, his management team, and staff of Rosebel Gold Mines. Mr. Wu stated in his warm welcome speech that the traditional authorities are deeply respected by RGM. He ensured the visitors that they would be given a comprehensive tour of our mining operations, showcasing the latest advancements in sustainable mining practices and the stringent safety measures RGM adheres to.

General Manager Victor Wu addressing the visitors

Commitment to Community Engagement

Mr Wu. also stated that this visit is part of RGM ongoing initiative to engage meaningfully with its stakeholders. Last year, we reinstated this important program, hosting Communication Committee members from Marshalkreek, Klaaskreek, Nieuw Lombe, Nieuw Koffiekamp, Balingsoela, Brownsweg, Kwakoegron, and Pikin Saramacca.

A Comprehensive Tour

The visitors participated in a personalized guided tour of key areas within our operations, including the Camp facilities, Mill, Tailings Facility, and Mine (Pay caro Pit). As per the promise of the general manager in his opening speech, the visit provided insights into RGM sustainable and responsible mining practices, highlighting:

·         Operational Excellence: Presentations on our major investment in new equipment and emphasizing our environmental commitment.

·         Sustainability Initiatives: Overviews of our environmental strategies, such as tailings management, land rehabilitation and water conservation.

·         Community Programs: Information on our contributions to local education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

·         Safety Protocols: Demonstrations of our rigorous safety measures protecting our workforce and communities.

Jean-Pierre Aboikoni is sharing information at the mine with Tradiotional Leaders of the communities of interest

After I safely climbed on the 150-ton haul truck, Head Capitain Henk Finisie of Brownsweg stated that the truck is very big, and it seems very safe. The captain further stated that the weakness he sees in this part of the operation is fatigue. “All truck operators must be well rested before operating any peace of equipment to avoid falling asleep.”

Head Capitain Henk Finisie of Brownsweg                                      Three Captains of Communities of interest 

Winston Groenefelt welcoming Tradiotional Leaders at the Mill

Building a Sustainable Future Together

This initiative is implemented once every year and underscores the mutual importance of our relationship as we work together to create a sustainable future for our communities. It provides an invaluable platform for open dialogue, allowing the traditional authorities to voice their perspectives, concerns, and expectations. These discussions are instrumental in identifying areas for potential collaboration, ensuring that the interests and well-being of the local communities are integrated into our operational strategies.

Statement of traditional Leader

  • Basja “Moen” Monique Pansa from Nieuw Lombe:

This is my first time at RGM and my expectations were fulfilled. The guidance from CRD was excellent. I highly appreciate it. The food was good. Everywhere we went, we were treated with love and respect. It is good to organize this visit annually. The only thing we couldn’t see was the gold. With our visit to RGM, we now have an idea of where our people work and that they are working in a safe environment. This may not be equally good for everyone, but this visit was educational for me.

  • Basja Eersteling from Marshallkreek:

We have heard about RGM, but some of us are here for the first time. As mentioned earlier, the CRD team is a team of locals and they addressed us in our own language, so we understood everything they explained. I applaud our local workers for their explanations. We thanked them and encouraged them to continue their good work. The Traditional Authority Platform was established to represent the eight (8) RGM COIs (Brokopondo and Matawai area).  I appreciate their contribution once again and ask them to keep it up.

  • Chief Captain Henk Finisie:

As an older Captain I have been to RGM three times. Some of these Captains and Basjas are visiting RGM for the first time, so this was a very good experience for all of us. My gratitude is grate to the General Manager Victor Wu, Community Relations Manager Jerry Finisie and his team. I also thank the captains and basjas for their presence. When we, the captains and basjas receive an invitation, we should attend because this is also part of our work. May you all arrive home safely later. We would like to ask Jerry Finisie to organize a trip for us to Pikin Saramacca pit as well.

Looking Ahead

Rosebel Gold Mines N.V. is dedicated to ongoing engagement and sustainable development with our neighboring communities. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the traditional authorities of Brokopondo and Pikin Saramacca for their visit and look forward to continued collaboration.



By:  Jerry Finisie     Reviser:JIAN   Editor-in-Chief: Wang Jie