The Senate approved the second amendment to the contract with Barrick Pueblo Viejo yesterday, Wednesday 25 September. The contract between the state and the mining company will allow the government to receive RD$11.6 billion during the life of the mine, said to be some 25 years. The changes to the contract were accepted after joint commission of the National Congress gave a favorable report on the changes, which include giving 5% of the profits to the province of Sanchez Ramirez. This legislation now goes to the Chamber of Deputies for final approval.