Subject: [Mining] SURALCO Bauxite Industry

Article:

Alumina and aluminum are the backbone of Suriname's economy. Some 77% of Suriname's estimated $453 million export earnings comes from bauxite. The Suriname Aluminum Company (Suralco) is a subsidiary of Aluminum Comapny of America (ALCOA). The pre-eminence of bauxite and Alcoa's continued pressence in Suriname is a key element in the US-Suriname economic relationship.

Suralco was established in 1916. During WWII it's facilities were guarded by American troops as one was afraid for a German invasion coming from the direction of Brazil. Suralco was the builder and financier of the Brokopondo-hydro-electric dam project. Electricity is needed for processing bauxite. More bauxite reserves are said to be found in the Bakhuys gebergte in West Suriname.

Source: (1) Suriname 1997 Country Report (2) Kijk op Suriname, Ir. J.TJ. Wassink, Elsevier-Amsterdam/Brussel, 1980 [Stamps] Suralco 1916-1996 To commemorate 80 years Suralco-Suriname 6 stamps were issued. sfl 160- Brokopondo dam sfl 730- American sailing ship sfl 120- Native village sfl 10 - Bauxite processing sfl 150- Loading dock bauxite sfl 70 - Bauxite exploration


Met dank aan Albert Buys