The Commissie Ordening Goudsector (OGS) conducted two separate field operations in Brokopondo on 23 September and 1 October. Drones were used to map mining sites and access roads from the air.
During the first operation, an OGS delegation visited the area around the Afobakadam. The drones enabled the observation of locations that were less visible from the ground. Forest paths were also recorded, and distances and the size of the area under investigation could be determined more accurately.
The second operation took place on 1 October in Peling Bergi, near Kwakoegron. The entrepreneur present during the visit stated that work had already been halted for several days. OGS visited the area to assess the situation on site and pointed out to the entrepreneur the obligation to comply with the rules and regulations.
The Key News editorial team has raised questions about the suspension of the work. During a road blockade by local residents on 5 October, Key News observed that large trucks wanted to travel via the blocked road towards the concession. That observation raises questions about the suspension, but does not in itself confirm that mining activities continued on 1 October or were resumed afterwards.
According to OGS general manager Wilson Balansi, drones contribute to a more efficient implementation of fieldwork. In September 2026, the commission received, among other things, drones and a printer from the EMSAGS project (Improving Environmental Management in the Small-scale Gold Mining Sector), as part of a pilot project for the registration of small-scale gold miners.
OGS staff have also been trained as certified drone pilots in order to use the equipment during field operations.
