The Ministry of the Environment has denied permission for mining operations in the Loma Miranda area as requested by Falcondo Xstrata Nickel, until the socio-economic and environmental conditions and mining technology can guarantee sustainable mining.
The mining company has expressed it is open to modify its proposal to meet Ministry of Environment requirements.
Environment Minister, Bautista Rojas Gomez made the announcement, saying that the proposal made by Falcondo Xstrata could not guarantee the integrity of the natural resources in the area, or support the quality of life of the local people.
He said that the “final” decision had been based on the evaluation by the Ministry, the Environmental Impact Assessment done by Falcondo, the report by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and views of environmental experts and other experts from Dominican society.
Among the reasons cited for the decision are deficiencies in the Environmental Impact Assessment, including lack of detail regarding possible water sources contamination by chrome; existence of two unrecovered areas of exploitation in the same area with accumulative environmental liabilities; transport of material to the processing area that would affect 20 kms of the Duarte Highway with permanent transport of heavy trucks presenting an additional risk.
Falcondo Xstrata executives have said that if they do not obtain the permit, they will close their operations in the country within five years.
Meanwhile, over the weekend, well-organized employees and suppliers of Falcondo protested the decision regarding Loma Miranda, arguing their jobs were at risk.
http://www.ambiente.gob.do/Noticias/Paginas/2013/Junio/Medio-Ambiente-niega-permiso-de-explotacion-en-la-Loma-Miranda.aspx