PARAMARIBO – A delegation which consisted of the ministers of Defense, Justice & Police and Natural Resources visited ZiJin/Rosebel Gold Mines last Thursday.

Over a week ago and illegal miner died and his death enfuriated other gold miners who set fire to the property of the company. Defense Minister Uraiqit Ramsaran made it clear that security is currently a top priority and that a strategic plan would be carried out to guard the facilities of the ZiJin/Rosebel Gold Mines. Due to the incidents that took place over a week ago production has been put on hold at ZiJin/ Rosebel Gold Mines. This of course has huge financial consequences for the company as well as the state which is also a shareholder. The Defense minister made it clear that the situation must be returned to normal as soon possible. One of the measures that is being considered is the introduction of an early warning system so that swift actions can be taken when calamities occur. “We must focus on prevention,” said Minister Ramsaran. Another measure is the increase in the number of police officers and soldiers at the company’s facilities and the check points in the area. The Defense minister emphasized that the state takes the good collaboration with the multinational very seriously which is why the commander of the National Army, Werner Kioe A Sen, and the acting director of Defense, Rosette Wirokarso-Van Varsseveld, were also part of the delegation that visited ZiJin/ Rosebel Gold Mines last Thursday.