Does Suriname have a mercury problem?

In 2018, Suriname ratified the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global treaty designed to reduce mercury pollution, in part by eliminating its use in gold mining. But mercury continues to pour in across its borders, mostly through illegal channels. While mercury can be legally imported with a license, no permits have been granted since 2004.

How much mercury is used in Suriname?

An estimated 56 tonnes of mercury were used in Suriname in 2018, the most recent year for which data is available, and various mining hardware stores, run by Brazilians, Indians, and Chinese owners, confirm that they can set a client up with the liquid quicksilver.

Do fish-Mercury burdens change over time in Suriname?

Over a period when Suriname was undergoing rapid socioeconomic change and correspondingly shifts in resource exploitation, including increased use of liquid mercury to mine for gold, we found that fish-mercury burdens went largely unchanged.

How does gold mining affect the environment in Suriname?

Gold mining explodes in Suriname, puts forests and people at risk. Mongabay. Heemskerk, M. & Duijves, C. (May 2017). Socio-economic, health and environmental impacts of mining in Suriname, with a focus on Artisanal and Small-scale gold Mining. Social Solutions. Department against Transnational Organized Crime (DTOC). (March 2023).