Falconbridge Dominicana, a major producer of ferronickel in the Dominican Republic may close its operations during the last three months of the year if the record low prices on world markets continue. Melvin Paulino, spokesman for the company, said that ferronickel prices are down to US$1.98 per pound, from the average US$3.15 price of last year. He said the situation would affect the bonuses of company employees and taxes paid to the government. 2,000 persons work at the plant. Earnings are expected to be a low RD$15 million compared to RD$60 million last year.
