Wonder why Barrick gets what they want? Barrick Gold licensed to operate new tailings dam in Sanchez Ramirez province
The authorities granted the environmental license to the mining company Barrick Pueblo Viejo to develop its new tailings dam project after completing the impact assessment process required by Law 64-00 and its regulations, Diario Libre reports citing Barrick Gold social media posts.
According to the Vice Minister of Environmental Management of the Ministry of the Environment, Indhira de Jess, Barrick’s new tailings facility received environmental license number LA-0501-23. The license was issued on 19 May 2023.
Diario Libre reports that the granting of the license does not mean that the mining company will begin construction of the tailings dam, but rather that part of the process has been advanced and it is now time to carry out the technical feasibility and engineering studies, a process that could take several months.
In a video posted on its YouTube channel, the mining company explains why they need to conduct studies to build a new tailings dam as part of its plan to extend the life of the Pueblo Viejo gold and silver mine.
Barrick’s Pueblo Viejo mine, located in the Sanchez Ramirez province, has a tailings dam called El Llagal, and it is estimated that in 2027 it would conclude its operation if a new tailings dam was not authorized.
The company has explained that, if it obtains the authorities’ authorization, it would start the first stage of construction of the new tailings dam in 2024. Operations would be carried out from 2028 to 2046, and closure is planned for 2047.
Read more in Spanish:
Diario Libre
Barrick
(Oh well...maybe one day GQC will get their simple little study permit.
Hang in there longs. GLTA!)