Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – The Pueblo Viejo mine's recent engagement with various stakeholders highlights its commitment to reaching a fair and sustainable resettlement of communities within the new Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) as part of its effort to extend the mine's life by over 20 years. The discussions took place between government entities, the church and local communities to ensure a transparent and inclusive process.
The Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) includes the development of the host site, construction of replacement houses, livelihood restoration programs and community development initiatives. These actions aim to ensure that the affected households are provided with opportunities to benefit from the process.
Regrettably, a small group of protagonists continues to disrupt the process and progress thereby denying some members of the community improved housing as well as additional compensation and access to schooling and other amenities. The disruptions include intimidation tactics such as illegal roadblocks and limiting access to land. This group is known not to represent the majority of the community but are rather the same individuals seeking self-gain.
Despite these challenges, Pueblo Viejo re-emphasizes its commitment to continuing the dialogue and reaching agreements that will deliver improvements to current houses and amenities available to those being relocated, and are aligned to international standards, without succumbing to speculative demands.
Pueblo Viejo has made significant contributions to the Dominican Republic both economically and socially with the mine accounting for a significant portion of national exports, direct and indirect taxes and national purchases. Social development in the communities surrounding the mine has seen increased primary school completion rates and tertiary education participation, and substantial improvements in access to electricity and healthcare facilities amongst other things.
Additionally, we have conducted the largest in-country environmental clean-up at Pueblo Viejo, remediating environmental damage left by previous operations at the mine.
“The development of the El Naranjo Tailings Storage Facility is pivotal for extending the mine's operational life beyond 2040 and maintaining gold production at over 800,000 ounces per year. This project underscores Pueblo Viejo's role as a critical economic driver and its long-term commitment to community upliftment,” said Juana Barcelo, Barrick’s Dominican Republic country manager.
The company continues to prioritize equitable solutions while resisting speculative opportunism, reaffirming its dedication to sustainable and responsible mining practices.
About Pueblo Viejo
Pueblo Viejo is located in the Dominican Republic, approximately 100 kilometers northwest of the capital city of Santo Domingo and is operated by Pueblo Viejo Dominicana – a joint venture between Barrick (60%) and Newmont (40%). Construction of the Pueblo Viejo project started in 2008, with first production in 2012. The company’s workforce is 97% Dominican. In 2020, the conversion of the mine’s Quisqueya 1 power plant to natural gas was successfully completed. This conversion from fuel oil to natural gas will decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 30% and nitrogen oxide by 85%, further reducing Pueblo Viejo’s impact on the environment. An agribusiness project is also planned as an additional benefit for the local communities.