Canadian mining company Placer Dome has yet to confirm whether it believes the gold mine at Pueblo Viejo, near Cotu?, to be lucrative. The future of the gold mining operation remains uncertain while Placer Dome carries out feasibility studies. Julio Binvignat, Placer Dome?s general manager, told Diario Libre that the research could take as long as four years and its outcome would determine whether Placer Dome remains in the country. US$6 million of a total planned investment of US$10 million has already been spent by the company. Although Placer Dome describes the mine as ?one of the greatest unexploited sources in the world,? the main obstacle to its profitability is the difficulty of extraction due to the high level of sulfur found in the precious metal. For this reason, it must undergo a purification process, one stage of which is conducted in Canada. A new installation is being created for the second stage. The mine will yield just 3.2 grams of gold for each ton of material extracted. The gold mining operation in Cotu? has been notable for its polluting effects on the rivers in the area. Placer Dome is engaged in an environmental impact assessment and its findings will have to be ratified by the Dominican government. The Environment Ministry will remain responsible for previous environmental effects of the gold mine. Hoy newspaper reports that Placer Dome affirmed its aim to reduce the environmental impact of the mining operation. The Canadian company was granted a 25-year contract by Presidential decree in 2002. The story in Hoy newspaper on statements from the mining executives emphasizes that the Dominican government is responsible for contamination and environmental damages caused by the Rosario mining operation. Placer Dome only accepts responsibility for pollution caused by its operation of the mine.