Grasshopper Aluminum Company (Grassalco) owns mineral rights in Suriname and manages the Benzdorp concession. About 1,000 people engage in artisanal gold mining in Benzdorp, causing environmental impacts. Grassalco partners with WWF on a project to improve mining practices, reduce impacts, and increase awareness of issues like mercury poisoning. The project aims to promote use of retorts to reduce mercury pollution and introduce less destructive mining methods.

1. N.V. Grasshopper Aluminum Company Mining Trade Industry and Transport Communities and Artisanal and Small Scale Mining: N.V. Grassalco’s View Devika Narain BSc. Environmental Officer N.V. Grassalco Edited by Glenn Gemerts, MSc President Director N.V. Grassalco 8 th Annual CASM Conference Brasilia, 6-12 th October 2008 “ Digging to deliver Development”

3. Grasshopper Aluminum Company was established by Government Decree of 14 August 1971. The main purpose of the company at foundation was the development of the bauxite deposits of western Suriname. N.V. Grassalco:

4. Our Vision Sustainable development of the Surinamese mineral potential, whilst maximizing the benefits for the Republic of Suriname.

5. Our Mission Grassalco initiates the sustainable development of the mineral potential of Suriname with the exception of hydrocarbons, where possible on her own or in good partnership with both national and international investors for the prosperity of the Suriname nation.

6. Activities Grassalco at present owns Mineral Rights for Gold, Aggregate, Natural Stone and Diamonds on eleven properties spread over the country. Future goals will include bauxite, uranium and kaolin activities.

7. Most important Grassalco properties At the moment we explore: Natural Stones Aggregates Gold

11. Mining Camps Within the Benzdorp Property

14. Objectives 1. To reduce the negative impacts of artisanal gold mining activities in the Benzdorp concession by promotion of retort use. 2. To initiate an attitude change of the population by executing awareness program dealing with mercury poisoning, importance of retort use and sanitary improvements. 3. To improve artisanal mining techniques and introduce less destructive methods by construction of an improved sluicebox. WWF Project: Artisanal goldmining management within Benzdorp Cont.

19. Project implementation: Improved Practices Support

23. Thank You for your Attention!