Mining & Environment: France is pressing Suriname over illegal gold mining along the Marowijne border with French Guiana, calling it a “ticking time bomb” after reports of extreme mercury and arsenic contamination affecting Indigenous communities. Exploration Finance: Miata Metals (Sela Creek, Suriname) has upsized its financing, with La Mancha Resource Fund planning to buy a 19.9% stake via a private placement tied to the company’s gold projects in the Guiana Shield. Business Networks: CARICHAM elected Kiran Maharaj as new Chair, with Suriname Chamber advisor Gino Naarden named Vice-Chair, aiming to push trade facilitation and member value across the region. Marine Services Expansion: CSA Ocean Sciences officially joined APEM Group, expanding APEM’s US presence and adding marine operations capabilities with opportunities flagged for Suriname and other markets. Oil & Gas Context (Regional): Bloomberg warns Guyana’s oil management risks an “oil curse,” while ExxonMobil’s Stabroek exploration drilling schedule continues, underscoring ongoing investment momentum in the wider Guiana basin. Heritage & Risk: UNESCO added new World Heritage sites and expanded its “in danger” list, including Historic Inner City of Paramaribo in Suriname, as construction and threats raise preservation concerns. Drug Trafficking Pressure (Regional): A US DEA assessment says military strikes on suspected trafficking boats haven’t reduced cocaine supply to the US, with traffickers shifting routes toward aircraft and areas like Guyana and Suriname.