Residents near the Pueblo Viejo mine in the Dominican Republic are urging relocation due to health issues and environmental degradation linked to the mine’s operations.
Sarah Johnson reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Families living near the Pueblo Viejo goldmine report serious health problems, including respiratory and heart issues, which they attribute to pollution from mining activities.
- The mine, operated by Barrick Gold and Newmont, plans further expansion, exacerbating concerns of the local communities and environmental advocates.
- Despite Barrick's claims of compliance with environmental standards, affected residents and local activists demand relocation and better regulatory oversight.
Key quote:
“There are many people who suffer respiratory problems, vision loss, skin lesions, heart problems and depression because of the situation. People are dying.”
— Leoncia Ramos, spokesperson for Comité Nuevo Renacer
Why this matters:
The call for relocation reflects a deep desire for long-term safety and a cleaner environment. Health issues reported by the community include skin rashes, respiratory ailments, and other chronic conditions. In addition, the environmental degradation threatens local agriculture and biodiversity, impacting livelihoods and food security.
Learn more about the environmental effects of mining:
