Dominican Republic: Dozens injured at Barrick Gold's Pueblo Viejo mine

Published by MAC on 2012-10-08
Source: Dominican Today

Residents demand jobs and profits share

Police block Barrick mine entrance as protests continue

Dominican Today

3 October 2012

COTUI, Dominican Republic.- Police remain deployed at the entrance of the mining company Barrick Pueblo Viejo, to block access to the group of marchers who demand the revision of the exploitation contract with the Dominican Government, the allocation of 5% of the profits for the community and more jobs.

The protesters conducted a peaceful march, but backed up traffic on the Mella road for miles, while the police keep close guard on the demonstrators.

The police carrying shotguns and tear gas canisters have been deployed in and around the city of Cotuí and at the crossings into villages, while the mining company erected a barricade to keep people from reaching beyond their gate.

It's the second day of protests as police made several arrests on Tuesday, during skirmishes with demonstrators.

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Dozens injured in Barrick Gold protest

Dominican Today

28 September 2012

COTUI, Dominican Republic.- At least 25 people were injured Thursday by shotgun pellets in the village of La Cabirma amid exchange of gunfire between police and protesters who demanded that the miner Barrick Pueblo Viejo hire more workers from their community.

The protesters demand that the mining company give jobs to residents of Sanchez Ramirez province and surrounding communities.

Hundreds of Cotuí residents took part in a walk for several miles, but once they approached the mining company, a clash between police and protesters ensued.

Some of the injured were taken to various public and private medical facilities in the town.

Leaders of community groups of the province said that most of the company's employees are foreigners from Peru, Venezuela and other nationalities.

Protest coordinator Sadoski Duarte asked the government to review the contract with the mining company so that Barrick hires mostly Dominicans.

He also demanded a solution to the problems of alleged pollution caused by the miner.

The protest began peacefully in the morning, but turned violent toward noon, forcing the owners of businesses to close their doors

Among the injured figure Hoy newspaper reporter Wilson Aracena, and Dominican Journalists Guild director in Cotuí, Ramon Salcedo.

Barrick's Position

"The company deeply regrets the events prompted by private interests," said Barrick Pueblo Viejo PR Jorge Esteva in a statement.

He said the protest organizers took advantage of the needy and unemployed in the area to unleash lawlessness and instability within the community."