Dominican officials call for new deal on gold mine
Dominican officials say they want to revise contract with operators of huge new mine
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) -- Officials in the Dominican Republic want to take another look at their government's contract with the operators of one of the world's largest gold mines.
The Chamber of Deputies has decided to re-evaluate the royalty deal with the Barrick Pueblo Viejo mine.
Chamber President Abel Martinez says he won't rest until he is satisfied the Caribbean country is being fairly compensated for the mining project, which recently began production north of the capital.
Barrick Pueblo Viejo spokesman Jorge Esteva said Wednesday the contract can be changed only with consent from both parties.
The project is 60 percent owned by the Barrick Gold Corp. of Toronto and 40 percent by Goldcorp Inc. of Vancouver. The Dominican treasury is projected to receive about $11 billion over the life of the mine.
