The Cibao Ecological Society (SOECI) has asked the government to rescind the contract with mining company Barrick Gold because it is against the national interest, as reported in El Nuevo Diario. The organization will be holding a march on Good Friday in protest at the Canadian mining company’s operations. Soeci says that the mining operations are affecting the habitat of Cotui’s inhabitants.
Environmentalist Elly Ramirez, representing the organization, said that the government handed over the gold deposits in Pueblo Viejo for next to nothing, and failed to consider the damage the operation will cause to the local environment.
SOECI added that Barrick Gold had pledged to employ personnel from Cotui and neighboring towns but instead has imported hundreds of foreigners.