Barrick Pueblo Viejo secures agreement on independent environmental studies

This facility, which forms part of an expansion project that will require an initial new investment by Pueblo Viejo of US$1.3 billion, is key to the mine continuing to operate beyond 2021 and could extend the Tier One mine’s life to beyond 2040, supporting annual production in excess of 800 000 oz.

The agreement comes after more than a year of engagement with the communities that could be directly or indirectly affected by the proposed facility and is an important step towards starting fieldwork and advancing the permitting process. The independent investigation will be conducted by a leading international firm of specialists and run in parallel with Barrick’s engineering and environmental studies.

The studies will ensure that the applicable environmental standards and regulations are complied with, including actions for the protection of surface water and groundwater, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.

Mark Bristow, Barrick President and Chief Executive, comments:

“The expansion project has the potential to allow Pueblo Viejo to convert approximately 9 million oz of measured and indicated resources to proven and probable reserves.

“At Barrick we have a commitment to responsible mining and transparency, so we welcome such initiatives. From 2013 to July 2021, Barrick Pueblo Viejo has paid more than US$2.9 billion in direct and indirect taxes and last year its exports accounted for 37% of the total national asset exports. Barrick has also started work on a local agribusiness development which will be integrated into the tailings facility and create a further benefit for the community.”

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/05082021/barrick-pueblo-viejo-secures-agreement-on-independent-environmental-studies/