Barrick Collaborates with Dominican Authorities for Storm-Affected Communities
The Barrick-operated Pueblo Viejo gold mine is supporting communities in the Sanchez Ramirez province in the Dominican Republic in the wake of a tropical storm which was in excess of a 1 in 500-year event.
Nearly 500mm of rainfall was recorded within a 24-hour period, causing significant flooding, bridge destruction and road blockages.
Operations at Pueblo Viejo were suspended for 72 hours from November 17th, when the storm made landfall. No significant damage to the plant’s infrastructure was reported and processing operations have resumed.
No injuries on the mine were reported and any potential impact to the environment was quickly mitigated thanks to the swift activation of the mine’s Emergency Response Plan.
A team from Pueblo Viejo, including members of the mine’s contractors Rodicon and Rizek, have since been deployed to neighboring communities to help clean up debris and rehabilitate roads.
Barrick also made a substantial donation of building materials and fuel, as well as non-perishable foods in partnership with our local contractor, Elever.
“Pueblo Viejo is committed to assisting our local communities and we will continue to support the local authorities in rebuilding the damaged infrastructure,” said Barrick president and chief executive Mark Bristow.
