At IAMGOLD, we work to ensure that the host communities we work with benefit from our presence, either directly through the economic growth generated by our mining activities or indirectly through community development initiatives. 

In collaboration with the local traditional authorities, our community relations department staff at our Rosebel mine in Suriname launched an agriculture awareness program designed to inform local populations of the seven Rosebel Communities of Interest in Brokopondo about the advantages of considering agriculture as a potential commercial activity as opposed to limiting its use to personal needs.  

One of the objectives of the program is to raise awareness about local agriculture as a long-term and sustainable source of income that complements mining activities for local economies. Our community relations team hopes that the program will spark an interest in agriculture and encourage local populations to start their own agricultural business.  

“I’m very hopeful that the program will spark an interest,” said Ms. Carol Wens, one of the program’s coordinators. “Some of the community members we are targeting with the program are already actively engaged in agriculture for their personal use. We are encouraging them to take this interest further. It will not only benefit them, but it will also benefit their village and the district of Brokopondo,” she added.  

A total of 130 people from the seven Rosebel Communities of Interest in Brokopondo participated in this program, which took place earlier this year during the spring. 

Currently, the local traditional authorities and the Rosebel Management team are engaging fund donors including Rosebel Gold Mines for the implementation of the practical part of this program. The Rosebel Management team supports legacy projects whenever possible to contribute to the development of its nearby communities.  

Building strong community partnerships and leaving a positive legacy can also be achieved through training and transfer of skills. Through this type of training and the other ones we are providing to local communities every year, we are making the most important investment possible: we are investing in people and we are investing in their future.

Blog written with the assistance of our community relations staff, Carol Wens, at our Rosebel mine (Suriname).