(de Ware Tijd) PARAMARIBO – Benzdorp Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij Suriname NV (BOMS), holder of a 139,000 hectare gold concession in the Lawa area has new owners. De Ware Tijd learns that by the end of 2011 more than three quarters of the shares were allegedly sold to Amarant Mining in Dubai. Specifics of the sale are yet unknown. A few weeks ago, dWT reported on the granting of mining rights in the Aluku area to BOMS NV, managed by its founder Jerrel Koendjbiharie. Aluku entrepreneurs, who had requested a concession from the government years ago and were already operating in the area, were turned down. Stakeholders and even Aluku granman Emanuel Jacobi immediately wrote President Bouterse and Speaker of Parliament Jenny Geerlings-Simmons, to have the granting annulled. The paper’s article reportedly caused panic at the President’s Office. Koendjbiharie has been house DJ for the National Democratic Party for years and has recently been appointed sound technician at the President’s office. Ellen Naarendorp and Joan Polak were appointed to start negotiations with Yellow Star Mining Company, an Aluku business venture. Executive coordinator restructuring gold sector Melvin Linscheer denies allegations of panic. After learning of the Aluku’s complaints he directed Naarendorp and Polak to look into the matter. Their assignment was to talk to every stakeholder in this matter in order to get some insight. ‘When mediation is needed in looming conflicts or trouble, I put Ms. Naarendorp on the case,’ says Linscheer. He has no details, however, on the BOMS matter as Naarendorp and Polak have not submitted their report yet. They are yet to meet with BOMS representatives. De Ware Tijd has learned from inside sources that at least two meetings have been held with Yellow Star reps. At those meetings Cabinet envoys have constantly assured the Alukus that ‘the Canadians would not enter their territory.’ The envoys avoided talking about BOMS NV, however, making it evident that BOMS no longer holds controlling shares. Some time ago dWT learnt from another source that Amarant Mining has been hiring staff to put up a security unit. Linscheer rejects allegations that the concession was sold to foreigners, stating that such is impossible. The only information he has so far is that BOMS has been looking for foreign partners to finance its operations. ‘This is not unusual in this business, but selling a concession is,’ Linscheer assures. Gold sector specialists estimate some 25,000 to 35,000 kilograms of gold reserves in the Benzdorp area where the concession lies. The gold mining village Benzdorp is now part of the BOMS concession. Recently the issue of dealing in gold concessions for enormous sums was discussed in Parliament.
