Groups protest against Barrick Gold at mine entrance

Santo Domingo.- Labor unions, neighborhood groups, farmers, ranchers and legislators held ??a protest against Barrick Gold Corp in the mining site at Pueblo Viejo, Cotuí (northeast) to demand changes in the contract with the Canadian based company.

Sanchez Ramirez province Senator Felix Vasquez, who is took part in the demonstration, affirmed that the mine’s pollution has gradually deteriorated livestock and crops.

Elis Piña province senator Adriano Sanchez said Barrick is smuggling the gold and silver by air to undermine a possible amendment on the contract.

Both lawmakers, quoted by diariolibre.com, said they support president Danilo Medina’s stance on amending the contract.

The protesters set off on foot, on horses, rice pickers, and trucks from the park in the town of Zambrana, to the mine’s main entrance at Pueblo Viejo.