Cotuí, Dominican Republic. Mining expansion in the municipality of Zambrana has sparked a conflict between Barrick Gold and six affected communities, resulting in protests, clashes with authorities, and a climate of uncertainty about the future of hundreds of families.
The trigger for the conflict is the construction of a new tailings dam, a mining waste storage facility, in the Zambrana Arriba area. According to Decree 270-22, issued on May 27, 2022, by President Luis Abinader, the project requires the relocation of six communities: El Naranjo, El Rayo, Ligo, Arroyo Vuelta, Plaja, Las 3 Bocas, and Las 2 Palmas.
Escalation of violence and repression
The situation escalated on January 8, when a community protest was repressed by military forces, leaving at least nine people injured, including Father Johnny Durán of the Diocese of La Vega. Residents, such as Paula Villanueva and Santo Francisco, testified that officers fired tear gas and pellets at the protesters.
"They didn't kill us because the priests were there. They said, 'Shoot to kill,' but the priests intervened and they still shot," Santo Francisco recounted.
The conflict has sparked outrage in the community, which points to Barrick Gold's president in the country, Juana Barceló, as responsible for the repression. According to testimonies, Barceló allegedly stated that the mining company would enter the area "no matter what," which increased tensions.
The role of the State in the dispute
Authorities have argued that the project does not involve mining, but only the disposal of waste, and that its viability depends on an environmental impact study and a feasibility study. However, community members and activists question why pressure to move forward with the relocation has intensified before these studies are completed.
Deputy Minister of Mines Miguel Ángel Díaz stated that the company submitted its environmental impact study, which was approved in 2023, and that an international company is currently bidding to conduct the feasibility assessment.
"The feasibility study must give us certainty, and if it doesn't, corrections will be made," Díaz explained.
However, community leaders denounce that the State is favoring Barrick's interests by prioritizing the mining company's right to transit over the rights of residents. They also claim that employees of the Ministry of Energy and Mines have been dismissed for expressing support for the communities.
Unknowns and resistance
As the process progresses, uncertainty persists. Those affected reject the compensation offered and oppose being displaced from their homes. The big question remains: if the feasibility study has not yet been completed, why the urgency in relocation? Is the State rushing things without yet knowing the viability of the project?
Meanwhile, the community members insist they will continue fighting to protect their territory and rights, while the conflict with Barrick Gold and the Dominican government continues with no clear solution on the horizon.
