Oil, Gas and Environment Minister Patrick Brunings explained that there are strong indications that toxic material from a gold mining area ended up in the water. The exact cause and the identity of the culprit will not be announced until after all of the results of the investigation are in. “It probably happened in the gold mining area. I said probably because we are still in the final phase of the investigation”, said the minister. Samples were taken of the river water and the dead fish to get to the bottom of the mass fish die-off. Investigators quickly realized that the lab tests that were necessary could not be carried out in Suriname so additional samples were sent to laboratories in French Guiana and France. Those results are expected to be shared next week. During the first phase of the investigation the investigators received many tips about the possible causes but not all of tips could be used. Minister Bruinings explained that the investigators eventually got a clear picture of what had most likely happened. He warned that those responsible for the mass fish deaths would face the consequences as the government would take measures and impose sanctions. “The culprits will be identified and sanctions will follow but the focus will also be on preventing this from happening again. That means that hard decisions will be made”, said Minister Bruinings.