Mining Decree.

This Decree contains general rules for the exploration and exploitation of materials that can be mined, but excluding groundwater. As a general rule, these materials are considered separate from the ownership of the land in which they are present. All materials, including those under the sea in the territory of Suriname as defined by Act SB No. 26 of 1978 are property of the State. In other sea areas adjacent to the territorial sea, Suriname exercises sovereign rights regarding the exploration and exploitation of mining materials. Further rules regarding, among other things, sea pollution, will be established by State Ordinance.
The Act consist of 76 articles divided into 15 Chapters: Definitions (I); General Provisions- Rights of the State on Mining Materials (II); Mining Rights (III); Survey Rights - Application (IV); Exploration Rights - Application (V); Exploitation Rights - Application (VI); Small-scale Mining (VII); Construction Materials (VIII); Rights of Third parties (IX); Exploration by the State (X); Supervision and Secrecy (XI); Regulation of Disputes (XII); Taxes and Levies - Surface Charges (XIII); Penal Provisions (XIV); Transitional and Final Provisions (XV).
Mining rights are only granted in accordance with the provisions of this Decree. Rights regarding normal mining materials are granted by the Minister responsible for mining. Upon termination of a mining right, the holder of the right shall, to the satisfaction of the Minister, take all necessary measures in the interests of public safety, the preservation of the deposit, the re-use of the site concerned and the protection of the environment. When granting the right, the Minister may impose such conditions as he or she deems necessary in connection with safety, interests of third parties and preservation of the environment.