Joint blog by MiningWatch Canada and Earthworks.
People living near the world's sixth-largest gold mine are taking legal action to protect their communities, ecosystems, and their rights.
Local communities and civil society organizations have filed two constitutional protection actions (amparos) calling for an immediate halt to Barrick Mining Corporation's recent efforts to begin construction of their massive new dam that would hold mine waste, including tailings and waste rock.
The “Naranjo Tailings Storage Facility (TSF),” as it is known, is adjacent to Barrick’s Pueblo Viejo gold and silver mine in Sánchez Ramírez province. Hundreds of families living in six nearby rural communities are concerned that the project poses serious risks to the land, water, and their health.
Concerns about Environmental and Social Risks
An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) conducted by Barrick for the Naranjo project, submitted in 2022 and released to the public in 2023, proposes the disposing of 344.7 million tons of tailings and 452.7 million tons of potentially acid-generating waste rock in the facility. The ESIA has faced strong criticism from U.S.-based geophysicist Dr. Steven Emerman and community advocates who contend that it lacks crucial data.
Barrick has stated that the existing El Llagal tailings dam will reach capacity by 2027, necessitating the construction of a second, new mine waste facility. Barrick has classified the consequences of the proposed Naranjo facility—planned to operate until 2049—as "Extreme" meaning that a dam failure is predicted to result in over 100 fatalities. Dr. Emerman estimates that a dam failure could impact a 227-kilometer area that includes key waterways including the Maguaca and Yuna Rivers, Hatillo Lake, and ends at the Bay of Samaná.
Growing Protests and Opposition
Tensions escalated on January 8, 2025 when, according to multiple media reports, police and military forces converged on the community of Zambrana in what community members believe was an attempted violent eviction. Security forces used tear gas and rubble bullets, and eight people were injured, including a local priest.
In response, community members have engaged in peaceful protests, including chaining themselves to trees to prevent deforestation and ecological destruction. On May 30, 2025, tensions rose again. Military forces “dispersed with gunshots and tear gas” protestors who denounced the arrest of community members. Community members believe that a neighbor, Jesús Tejada, “died from a heart attack” because of the tear gas bombs the police launched. Barrick contends that "the process has been negatively impacted by a small group of individuals who are, among other things, instigating the illegal blockage of public roads to serve their own economic self-interest."
Legal Action Submitted to Protect Rights and the Environment
In response to the escalating crisis, local communities—supported by organizations such as the Institute of Lawyers for the Protection of the Environment (INSAPROMA)—have recently filed two constitutional protection actions before the Superior Administrative Court. The filings argue that the Naranjo project violates rights enshrined in the Dominican Constitution, including their rights to life, health, dignity, water, food security, and a healthy environment.
These petitions call for an immediate halt to all construction activities and the cancellation of related environmental permits. They also demand an independent safety review of both the existing and the proposed dams, public release of all findings, and a thorough evaluation of safer waste disposal options.
The petitions further request a moratorium on tree felling and road construction near the Naranjo River; a reviewed environmental and social impact assessment that meets international standards; a funded plan for ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and water treatment post-mine closure; and a detailed hydrogeological risk and mitigation plan.
Through these legal actions, communities are seeking to defend their rights, protect vital ecosystems, and demand accountability from both the government and Barrick in the face of intensifying industrial threats. A hearing is scheduled for July 22, 2025.
Please see Barrick’s response to an earlier draft of this blog.
Photo: View from community encampment as area is cleared for a new road as part of the mine’s expansion.