Barrick Gold, which benefitted when Leonel Fernandez government authorized major changes in the Placer Dome gold mining contract in Cotui that was heavily skewed in favor of the new partner, Barrick, is a tough negotiator. In 2006, Barrick purchased the Placer Dome contract for US$10.2 billion. The Medina government wants more of the profits of the mining agreement. As reported in El Dia, Barrick Gold has offered US$315 million a year during the next eight years, but the Dominican government wants US$800 a year in four years. As reported in El Dia, the proposal was made in writing in a letter sent by the mining company to President Danilo Medina dated 4 March and received by the Presidency on 5 March. The letter was signed by the president of Barrick Pueblo Viejo, Manuel Rocha.
On Thursday 21 March, Minister of the Presidency Gustavo Montalvo said that the government was about to reach an agreement.