He explained that since 2021 the government has implemented a strict policy to ban this form of goldmining. “There is not a single river where pontoons are still present. Since 2021 we have made it clear that we no longer accept it and we have also taken appropriate action,” said Abiamofo. In 2020 there were reportedly about 20 pontoons but 3 years later there were only 3 to 4 left. The talks with the owners of those pontoons did not go smoothly so the government got the Public Prosecutor's Office involved. The Public Prosecutor's Office then addressed the issue with the rule of law. The minister of Natural Resources expressed his concern regarding the expansion of goldmining activities in the direct vicinity of villages especially in the Brokopondo District. These activities are reportedly moving closer to the villages which has lead to growing tensions. Meanwhile the prospectors are leaving a visible trail of destruction to the environment and ecosystems. Abiamofo explained that this is a complicated issue because the villagers and even the village chiefs are often part of the problem as they are also active in the small scale goldmining sector. He added that in some cases solutions were found through dialogue but that the situation remains a burning issue that demands permanent attention.