President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons has ordered a temporary suspension of new mining concessions in Suriname, including the issuance, renewal and transfer of existing concessions.

The decision was communicated to the Minister of Natural Resources and comes as the government reviews several issues surrounding the country’s mining and natural-resource policies.

According to reports, one of the key considerations is the protection of Indigenous and tribal communities and their living areas, alongside efforts to safeguard other forest regions.

The government is also examining the use of chemicals in gold mining and the techniques currently being used within the sector.

Officials stressed that the measure does not amount to a shutdown of mining in Suriname. Instead, the temporary pause is intended to provide greater clarity and allow the government to assess existing processes before additional concessions are approved or transferred.

The decision could become an important test of the Simons administration’s approach to natural-resource governance, particularly as Suriname prepares for major offshore oil-and-gas development.

The temporary concession freeze is expected to keep mining policy, environmental protection and community rights high on the national political agenda.