By Ank and Kuipers

PARAMARIBO, July 4 (Reuters) - Newmont ( NEM ), the world's

largest listed gold miner, announced on Friday that it would lay

off 10% to 15% of its workforce at its Merian mine in Suriname,

citing production declines.

"Since 2021, gold production at Merian has declined 48%

while operating costs have fallen by 50%, challenges that have

put pressure on the long-term sustainability of operation,"

Newmont ( NEM ) said in a press release.

According to the company, some 1,550 people currently work

at the Merian site.