SMALL-SCALE GOLD MINING IN SURINAME

The pollution and siltation of rivers and creeks affects drinking water, forcing women to go long distances to fetch relatively cleaner water for household use (most villages do not have tap water). They also impact the availability and health of fish, the main source of protein. Sedimentation is not the only water-related problem; Small-scale miners may release between 10,000 to 20,000 kg of mercury into Suriname’s air and aquatic ecosystem annually. Mercury contamination damages the central nervous system of fish consumers near mining areas, with pregnant women and infants being most at risk. Furthermore, strenuous work and unsafe labor conditions cause muscular strains and injuries among miners. The congregation of primarily young men away from home attracts sex-work and related unsafe sexual practices. Sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS are on the rise in the interior as miners take the infections to their homes.
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