The Matawai community wants more opportunities to independently and sustainably develop its living area. The traditional authorities are therefore urging an extension of mining activities in the Moeroekreek area and better agreements with mining company Zijin. Poor accessibility, the lack of infrastructure and the registration of gold miners are also major points of concern.
These issues were discussed on Monday, November 9, 2026, during a follow-up meeting at the Ministry of Natuurlijke Hulpbronnen (NH; Natural Resources), chaired by Minister David Abiamofo. Director Mavrik Boejoekoe took part in the discussion on behalf of the Ministry of Regionale Ontwikkeling (RO; Regional Development).
Matawai wants to extend mining activities by three years
The traditional authorities have asked mining company Zijin to extend the current mining activities by at least three years. According to Captain Gideon Mosesi, the company is making an insufficient contribution to the sustainable development of the area. The community therefore wants to be given more scope to undertake economic activities itself and provide for its livelihood.
“If they cannot help us develop our area, then give us the space to develop it ourselves,” Mosesi stated during the meeting.
Head Captain Inse Emanuel pointed out that water problems are currently hampering mining operations. According to him, an extension is necessary to give the community sufficient opportunity to continue its activities.
Granman Lesly Valentijn said he understood Zijin’s position, but expects the company to also take into account the interests and circumstances of the Matawai community. He expressed hope that a positive response to the requests would follow during the next meeting.
The traditional authorities want to speak directly with Zijin’s management. In addition, a permanent contact person within the company has been requested, so that communication can be improved and agreements made can be followed up more effectively. Zijin representatives have pledged to submit this request to the company’s management.
Alternative mining areas being explored
During the discussion, Zijin stated that two alternative locations are currently being explored where members of the Matawai community could carry out mining activities in the future.
At the same time, work is underway to implement earlier agreements on the registration of gold miners in the Moeroekreek area. The number of active gold miners must be reduced to the originally agreed 250 persons.
District Commissioner Ruth Beely of Boven-Saramacca has proposed establishing a monitoring committee to oversee compliance with the agreements. According to her, both the government and Zijin should be involved in the registration, so that clarity can be obtained about the number of people working in the area.
Inadequate infrastructure hampers development
In addition to the mining issue, the community is drawing attention to the poor accessibility of Matawai. The construction of a proper bridge connection is seen as an important condition for further economic and social development.
Captain Gideon Mozes stressed that the community itself had carried out repair work on the road and bridge in the past. Part of the required funds has also now been saved to build a new bridge.
According to Matawai representatives, a structural solution is necessary, however, because the current infrastructure is hampering the development of the area.
District Commissioner Beely endorsed these concerns and stressed the importance of a sustainable improvement in accessibility.
Attention also for Commissaris Kondre and 21 Bergi
The situation in Commissaris Kondre was also discussed during the meeting. Separate consultations were held on this on Sunday, November 8, during which agreements were made.
The Matawai community has also requested to be involved in mining activities in the 21 Bergi area.
Zijin stated that it is currently working on a water project in Commissaris Kondre. Further details about the implementation and completion of this project were not disclosed.
Follow-up meeting on November 20
The parties involved will meet again on Friday, November 20, 2026. It should then become clear what progress has been made in the registration of gold miners, the exploration of alternative mining locations and the requests of the traditional authorities.
For the Matawai community, the main objective remains that mining activities not only generate economic benefits for companies, but also contribute to the development and livelihood security of the area’s residents.
