such as the Marowijne River and the Lawa because of objections of officials from neighboring French Guiana are tolerated within Suriname’s borders. Several entrepreneurs are currently operating skalians in their search for gold at the bottom of the Brokopondo reservoir. Natural Resources Minister David Abiamofo wants to regulate this phenomenon. In the past there were more than 20 skalians in the Marowijne region and this number has dropped significantly, leaving only 3 stubborn entrepreneurs who have also been tackled by the authorities. Gold mining activities are currently allowed in the reservoir under strict conditions. Skalians are only allowed to operate in annarea that is located at least 4 kilometers from the Afobaka Dam. Minister Abiamofo made it clear that a special commission is keeping a close eye on the skalians.