Grankreek announces protest after DC lifts mining halt for R&V Earthmovers

The village authority has announced a peaceful protest for Saturday, September 26, stating that the community’s concerns were insufficiently taken into account in the decision-making process. Documents seen by Key News show that the DC withdrew the suspension effective September 24, 2026, following an investigation and consultations with various parties involved.

The mining activities of R&V Earthmovers were halted by the district commissioner on February 25 this year. This happened after the village authority and residents of Grankreek had taken action against the operations. According to the letter from the district commissioner’s office, the measure was taken with a view to maintaining public order and safety.

According to the decision at the time, the activities had to remain suspended until the ministries of Grondbeleid en Bosbeheer and Natuurlijke Hulpbronnen had conducted further investigations and their findings were known.

Investigation leads to lifting of suspension

In the September 24 letter to the director of R&V Earthmovers, the DC states that the Ministry of Natuurlijke Hulpbronnen had previously indicated orally that it had no objection to the activities. The Ministry of Grondbeleid en Bosbeheer subsequently released the results of a renewed investigation on August 28.

According to the account of that investigation in the letter from the district commissioner’s office, the area where R&V Earthmovers carries out its mining activities lies outside the area of the village of Grankreek. The ministry’s full investigation report is not included in the documents seen by Key News.

Consultations then took place on September 24 between representatives of Grondbeleid en Bosbeheer, Natuurlijke Hulpbronnen, the district commissioner’s office, the village authority of Grankreek and R&V Earthmovers. Lawyers for the district commissioner’s office and the company were also present at the consultations.

The DC writes that the parties involved presented their positions and facts during those consultations. On that basis, it was decided to lift the temporary suspension of mining activities effective September 24.

Lawsuit to be withdrawn

The decision further shows that R&V Earthmovers had previously initiated civil proceedings against the Ministry of Grondbeleid en Bosbeheer, the Ministry of Natuurlijke Hulpbronnen and the district commissioner of Saramacca.

The parties reportedly agreed during the consultations that the company would withdraw these proceedings. According to the letter, lifting the mining suspension also removes the basis for continuing the case. R&V Earthmovers must take the necessary steps to withdraw it no later than two working days after the date of the decision.

Village authority continues to oppose

Despite the outcome of the consultations, the village authority of Grankreek continues to oppose the resumption of the activities. In a press invitation, the authority states that the interests and concerns of the community have, in its view, been insufficiently taken into account.

The village authority wants, among other things, to draw attention to the possible consequences of the mining activities for the living area, the environment and the rights of the Indigenous community.

This creates a clear difference between the assessment of the authorities and the community’s position. While the DC cites the investigations carried out and the September 24 consultations in lifting the measure, the village authority maintains its objections to the continuation of the operations.

Protest in Grankreek on Saturday

The protest is scheduled for Saturday, September 26 at 10 a.m. on Karbowweg in Grankreek, district of Saramacca. The village authority has invited media outlets and civil society organisations to attend.

During the protest, the authority intends to provide further explanation of its position and address the latest developments surrounding the mining activities.