The mineral industry of Suriname makes up a large proportion of the country's economy.[1] In 1916, the Aluminium Company of America began mining bauxite in the then Dutch colony of Surinam which over time became Suriname's main export.[2]
Gold and petroleum contributed to nearly 67% of the country’s total exports in 2017. The mining industry accounts for about 85% of exports and 25% of government revenues.[3] Gold mining is controversial due to the impact of Indigenous people.[4]