Surinamese authorities have initiated a major security operation targeting illegal mining activities in the sensitive region between New Koffiekamp and the Rosebel Gold Mine. On Saturday, a joint task force comprising elements from the Suriname Police Corps and the National Army launched ‘Operation Clean Sweap’ to dismantle unauthorized mining camps in the Redi Bergi area.
The multi-agency operation involved specialized units including RBT-Central, base police, Central Surveillance, the Mobile Unit, the National Army’s Riot Team, and a dedicated Task Force. During the initial phase of the operation, security forces encountered resistance from local community members and traditional authorities.
Approximately 20-25 villagers, supported by some traditional leaders, erected a barricade using heavy equipment near the so-called lever past New Koffiekamp. The barrier remained in place for approximately twenty minutes before security personnel employed tactical de-escalation measures to dismantle it without major incident.
Police Public Relations confirmed that despite continued temporary resistance from other villagers, the situation was contained without serious confrontations between the mixed security unit and local residents. Some protesters eventually dispersed from the location voluntarily.
The operation resulted in the dismantling of forty illegal mining camps thus far. Authorities have declared their intention to continue the clearance operation until the entire concession area of Zijin Mining, the Chinese company operating the Rosebel Gold Mine, is completely cleared of unauthorized mining activities.