Tensions escalated in the Dominican Republic’s northcentral Cotui region in Sanchez Ramirez province on 30 May 2025 with clashes between local residents and Dominican security forces. Community members have protested against the expansion of the Barrick Pueblo Viejo gold mine.
The mine operators have received government clearing to build infrastructure for a second tailings dam in the province. Populations in other provinces were adamant on not allowing the tailings dam to be built there given the real environmental risks that come with the permanent open sky storing of the toxic mining wastes.
As reported in Diario Libre and Listin Diario, the demonstrations, fueled by environmental and social concerns, were met with tear gas, live ammunition, and reports of militarization, drawing international attention to the long-standing conflict between the mining company and the Sanchez Ramirez community.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as security personnel, including military and private guards, moved in to quell the demonstrations. “They shot at us without warning,” said one local resident, who requested anonymity. “We were just trying to protect our land.” The use of force sparked accusations of excessive violence and a growing sense of militarization in the area, with armored vehicles and heightened police presence becoming a daily sight.
Barrick Pueblo Viejo, owned by Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold, has faced persistent opposition from communities for decades. Critics argue that the mine’s operations have polluted local water sources and disrupted traditional livelihoods, while the company maintains that it adheres to environmental standards and provides economic benefits to the region.
In a statement, Barrick representatives emphasized their commitment to “responsible mining” but declined to comment on the recent violence. In recent years, dry tailings facilities have replaced the type the company has underway in Sanchez Ramirez.
The dry tailings dams, also known as dry stack tailings or filtered tailings, are a method of tailings management in mining operations that involves dewatering the tailings to remove excess moisture before stacking them in a controlled manner. This approach reduces the risk of dam failures associated with traditional wet tailings dams such as that Barrick has been authorized to build in Sanchez Ramirez.
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Listin Diario
2 June 2025