The team of specialists appointed by the United Nations Development Program office in the Dominican Republic will begin consultations on Monday, 4 February to evaluate the environmental impact study for the proposed Loma de Miranda mining project in La Vega. The mining proposal by Xstrata has met with opposition from many local specialists and environmental groups, especially in the provinces of La Vega and Monsenor Nouel (Bonao). They say that the area is a major water source and natural reserve. Xstrata runs the Falcondo Bonao mining operation. The UNDP says that anyone who wants to send an opinion can write to lomademiranda@undp.org or by taking proposals to United Nations House, Av. Anacaona #9, Santo Domingo.