Sánchez Ramírez.- The pollution of the rivers near Barrick Gold's Pueblo Viejo mine in Zambrana Arriba could have devastating consequences for the environment and the health of the population. This is what Dr. Frank Reyes, research manager at Franja laboratories, in the program Under The Spotlight, broadcast by De Último Minuto and The Six, where he presented the results of a physicochemical analysis of the water in the area.
The studies carried out by the laboratory revealed the presence of lead, cyanide, ammonia and nitrates in various water sources near the El Llagal tailings dam. According to Dr. Reyes, these contaminants can cause serious illnesses, including neurological damage, cancer, and kidney problems.
"El gran problema de República Dominicana no es la deuda externa ni la migración, es ambiental. Estamos destruyendo nuestras fuentes de agua y los efectos serán irreversibles. No vamos a tener otro sitio donde vivir", the scientist warned.
One of the most alarming findings is the level of water acidity in the area, with pH values of 3.5 a 4, indicating a high level of contamination. Reyes explained that this level of acidity is common in mining areas and that acidic water destroys the topsoil and affects the quality of crops.
"Toda el agua va a buscar una forma subterránea de salir. La presa de colas no es completamente impermeable. Con el tiempo, los ácidos harán perforaciones en el subsuelo y la contaminación se extenderá a toda la región del Cibao", Reyes warned.
Regarding the health effects, the scientist highlighted that the lead and the ammonia present in water can cause genetic malformations in children, cardiovascular diseases and an increase in cancer mortality.
"Las personas que se bañan o consumen esta agua están en riesgo. Lo primero que notan es irritación en la piel, pero a largo plazo, los efectos pueden ser mucho más graves. Estamos hablando de comunidades que morirán progresivamente de forma química", Reyes denounced.
Despite these findings, the authorities have downplayed the situation. When confronted with the results of the study, the Deputy Minister of Mines, Miguel Ángel Díaz, downplayed the pollution, stating that "muchos de estos químicos los vivimos todos los días en casa".
While the mining company and the government insist that control measures are sufficient, community members continue to suffer the consequences. "Nos están matando lentamente. Antes el agua era cristalina, ahora los peces y las jaibas mueren. ¿Qué nos queda?", questioned Epifania Manzueta, one of the affected residents.
Dr. Reyes concluded his speech with an urgent call to the authorities: "Si no hacemos algo ahora, las próximas generaciones pagarán el precio. No se trata solo de compensaciones económicas, sino de la vida misma".
