Citizens have taken the government to court to provide information on the amount of gold and silver extracted by Barrick Pueblo Viejo since August.
The citizens represent residents in the area of the Pueblo Viejo, Cotui mine. They have asked the First Hall of the Administrative Disputes Court to order the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to reveal the amount of gold and silver exported by PVDC since August. On 3 January 2013 the citizens asked the court to order the publication of information on the shipments, amount of exported minerals, destinations, how they were transported, and copy of the Customs shipment documentation, and repatriation of earnings.
Judge Judith Contreras Esmurdoc is hearing the case.
Meanwhile, the Public Ministry has asked the court to dismiss the appeal, as reported in Hoy. Administrative prosecutor general Karina Arriaga said that the information could affect the government’s renegotiation of the contract. The representative of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Jorge Luis Rodriguez also rejects the request saying the petitioners did not follow the correct procedures for requesting the information.
Lawyers Dario Coronado, Bernarda Pena and Manuel Maria Mercedes say the people have the right to this information to ensure they receive the 5% that corresponds to the community of Cotui.
www.hoy.com.do/el-pais/2013/2/28/469379/MP-se-opone-a-entrega-informaciones-sobre-la-Barrick-Gold