SITUATION ANALYSIS OF THE SMALL-SCALE GOLD ... - WWF

dispersal and the remote location of mine sites in a rugged rainforest terrain. Three basic
parameters define the task ahead:
the development of practical regulations that are broadly supported
the development of assistance schemes in Paramaribo and in the field and
the development of mechanisms of control.
One way to make these regimes, schemes and mechanisms work is to partition the vast
mining area of the interior of Suriname into clearly identifiable mining regions and
manageable zones in which gold mining units and dredges operate and to establish
support and monitoring bases at strategic locations. A model zoning strategy is present in
the concluding Chapter VII.
Regulatory, assistance and control systems have to be developed for each region based on
common policy principles for the sub-sector. At the same time, regional variation
between mining zones must also be accommodated. For example, it may be necessary to
develop separate administrative regimes for zones operated by investors from Paramaribo
and for zone mined by Maroons. A multiplicity of regulatory systems is unavoidable, but
certain basic principles should apply to regions and zones.
The following strategic considerations have significantly influenced the process of
formulating recommendations:
Reliable information: In the process of developing functional regulatory and
assistance regimes, a rational allocation and distribution of resources can only be
achieved if reliable information is available on the sub-sector. This information is
needed to assess the feasibility and appropriateness of the administrative and
management options for the different mining regions and zones.
A presence in the field. The regulatory, assistance and control regimes have to be
based on a permanent presence in the field. Long lead times are needed to develop
and implement a reform program. It will be very difficult to develop and sustain
the required organizational environment without on-site administration and
management.
Public-private partnerships. It will be challenging for the State to secure
sufficient resources in the short-term to finance operations in remote locations of
the interior. Therefore, private sector and civil society participation can help cut
cost and promote stakeholder involvement. Moreover, the government has much
to learn from a number of private sector zone management initiatives. By
involving these stakeholders the government will tap into a storehouse of field
knowledge and experience.
As noted above, several mid-size enterprises operating in the interior have already
developed extensive zone management systems.. These enterprises could assist the
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