Combining modern mine reclamation techniques with traditional knowledge provided by the area's native inhabitants is improving the rehabilitation practices of Alcoa's Suriname mine site and sustaining the quality of life within the nearby village.
In the village of Adjoema Kondre on the Coermotibo River within the Alcoa-Suralco mining concession area, the 200 residents supplement a traditional lifestyle with paid work. The women of the village are highly skilled planters and crop tenders, and Suralco has hired them to collect and plant seedlings at the mining site. The women help guide the selection of plant species used in the replanting to create a favorable habitat for the animals their men hunt.
"This project is important to us because it guarantees income for us, keeps people in the village, and gives hope for the future of our children," said Elisabeth Rotsburg, one of the 20 planters hired by Suralco.
Adds Martha Prika, "This project has helped me financially, and I have been able to solve some problems myself that otherwise I would not be able to do if I did not have this job. It also has contributed to the revitalization of the village."
Caroline M. Rahan-Chin, head of the Department of Agricultural Production of the Faculty of Technology from the Anton de Kom University in Suriname, headed a project to study Suralco's mine rehabilitation efforts at the Moengo Works.
"Given the situation that there are no regulations from the government, it is to be complimented that Suralco has always taken up the responsibility not only to rehabilitate the mined-out areas but also to make decisions with the benefit of the local community in mind," said Mrs. Rahan-Chin.
There is more work to be done.
"Although Suralco is on the right track concerning rehabilitation of mined-out areas, there can be some improvements on the rehabilitation methods. Monitoring of the process and making scientifically based adjustments to ensure success should get more attention," added Mrs. Rahan-Chin.
In September 2002, Suralco hosted an Alcoa worldwide mining rehabilitation workshop. Participants reviewed existing mine rehabilitation standards and presented and compared rehabilitation techniques. Suralco also made new rehabilitation commitments for existing mining operations and old mined out areas. These included a plan to address all disturbed areas caused by mining activities. The plan will be written and executed with the cooperation of Suralco's joint venture partner and the communities involved.
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Biodiversity Studies Underpin Mine Rehabilitation in Suriname
A biological expedition and permanent monitoring plots will help Alcoa’s Suriname Aluminum Company (Suralco) in its future mine rehabilitation efforts.
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