(KGUN) — Though Cinco de Mayo falls on Monday this year the festivities are already kicking off in Green Valley where residents are getting a head start on the celebration with music The Community Performance and Art Center (CPAC) is set to host a special Cinco de Mayo-themed concert on Friday featuring the talented Mariachi Pueblo Viejo brings together working professionals and college students who share a passion for traditional mariachi music The group’s mission is to preserve the cultural heritage and authentic sounds of Jalisco Mexico—widely regarded as the birthplace of mariachi “Our goal was to create the premier professional mariachi ensemble of the Southwest,” Ponce said The group has quickly gained recognition for their vibrant performances and cultural authenticity including a recent appearance at the memorial service for Congressman Raul Grijalva Friday’s performance at CPAC promises an evening of rich musical tradition and celebration in honor of the historical and cultural roots of Cinco de Mayo More information about Mariachi Pueblo Viejo can be found on the group’s website. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite Report a typo Guest blog by María Alejandra Torres García After nearly a year of no news regarding Barrick Gold’s proposed expansion project to create a second tailings dam at Pueblo Viejo Mine in the Dominican Republic Building a new tailings dam would require the involuntary relocation of people living in the area sent a letter to a leader of the Communities Resettlement Commission copying the Dominican Minister of Energy and Mines Barceló invites the leader to a negotiation meeting from November 25th to the 27th The company claims to want to find a “collaborative solution” for “the residence and compensation matrix complaints” but that the meeting would be “the last and definitive opportunity to discuss and find solutions.” Barceló further requests that the blocking of the public road be lifted Pueblo Viejo commits to not carry out any studies in the communities before or during the meeting.” The letter begins by emphasizing Barrick Pueblo Viejo’s commitment to a transparent and participatory resettlement for the new tailings dam and concludes with its commitment to international standards and open dialogue The six communities comprising hundreds of families at risk of relocation are Arroyo Vuelta Members of these communities are meeting Barrick’s militarized force with sustained resistance.  these communities have set up protest camps in three locations to prevent several pieces of heavy equipment operated by Barrick employees from entering the area under threat hundreds of National Guard soldiers and police officers have accompanied Barrick’s equipment to protect it from harm in a never-before-seen move and commercial trucks with supplies.  In one community member’s video—shared widely on WhatsApp—multiple armed soldiers are seen yanking a man’s shirt collar to push him to the side of the road when he attempted to block a truck’s passage some Barrick Gold employees from the local communities who have challenged the company claim to have been fired without explanation.  five members of the Communities Resettlement Commission spoke with Belkys González the Community Engagement and Development Manager at Barrick Pueblo Viejo The Commission demanded that the machinery be removed immediately González could not respond to the matter and did not offer a date by which she would get back to them.  The protestors say that soldiers with Barrick’s machinery’s appearance violates the agreement that Barrick Gold and the communities made before the World Bank Barrick Gold cannot bring heavy equipment into the area until relocation negotiations are concluded An adequate relocation agreement would provide for all affected families to be relocated to new houses on sufficient land for agricultural production.  They maintain that over 100 families have been left out of the resettlement plans And they want to be paid market price for their cacao crops––Barrick is offering a little over 1,100 Dominican pesos (about $18 USD) per cacao tree when the going yearly rate for cacao pods from a tree is around 1,800 (about $30 USD) The six communities have thus far opposed Barrick’s negotiation conditions. They suspect Barrick’s militarized response is an intimidation tactic to force them to accept the conditions Communities have yet to see whether Barrick Gold will adhere to its commitments in the November 16th letter for a just relocation process New Report Hammers Vale S.A.’s Brazilian Mine Operations They Are Who We Thought They Were Community-Led Water Testing in the Dominican Republic Improved Monitoring Data – Will It Lead to Meaningful Action? 200061-202-887-1872 • info@earthworks.orgEIN/Tax ID: #52-1557765 Fight Trump's destructive agenda all year This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Sanchez says new venture will offer more limited menu stand by the new Pueblo Viejo food truck at a site near the I-80/Highway 14 intersection Premium Content is available to ANR subscribers only. Please login here to access content or go here to purchase a subscription © 2025 Aurora News-Register DR.- Barrick Pueblo Viejo emphasized its role in the Dominican Republic’s economic development while reaffirming its commitment to responsible and sustainable mining practices The company addressed recent concerns about its operations inviting individuals and organizations to visit the mine and witness its environmental and safety protocols firsthand The company highlighted its dedication to transparency It also underscored its initiatives for ecosystem regeneration and the rehabilitation of impacted areas Barrick Pueblo Viejo encouraged interested parties to schedule visits and access accurate information through its official website Local February 17 Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" Economy North Coast Local Sports Health DominicanToday.com - The Dominican Republic News Source in English 43,000+ global companies doing business in the region 102,000+ key contacts related to companies and projects news and interviews about your industry in English Barrick Gold (NYSE:GOLD) has released its annual report highlighting significant progress in growth projects and sustainable value creation The company completed feasibility studies for two Tier One projects: the Lumwana Super Pit Expansion in Zambia (adding 8.3 million tonnes of copper reserves) and the Reko Diq project in Pakistan (contributing 13 million ounces of gold and 7.3 million tonnes of copper reserves) The company successfully replaced all mined gold and copper in 2024 replenishing 4.6 million ounces of attributable gold mineral reserves at improved grades Barrick projects a 30% growth in gold equivalent ounces by decade's end The Pueblo Viejo expansion in Dominican Republic advances toward becoming an 800,000+ ounce per year producer while Nevada operations see progress at Goldrush and Fourmile projects Barrick maintains a strong balance sheet to fund Lumwana and Reko Diq development without new shares or unnecessary debt while continuing its share buyback program Barrick Gold (NYSE:GOLD) ha pubblicato il suo rapporto annuale evidenziando i progressi significativi nei progetti di crescita e nella creazione di valore sostenibile L'azienda ha completato studi di fattibilità per due progetti di livello uno: l'espansione della Lumwana Super Pit in Zambia (aggiungendo 8,3 milioni di tonnellate di riserve di rame) e il progetto Reko Diq in Pakistan (contribuendo con 13 milioni di once d'oro e 7,3 milioni di tonnellate di riserve di rame) L'azienda ha sostituito con successo tutto l'oro e il rame estratti nel 2024 reintegrando 4,6 milioni di once di riserve minerali d'oro attribuibili a gradi migliorati Barrick prevede una crescita del 30% in once equivalenti d'oro entro la fine del decennio L'espansione di Pueblo Viejo nella Repubblica Dominicana avanza verso la produzione di oltre 800.000 once all'anno mentre le operazioni in Nevada vedono progressi nei progetti Goldrush e Fourmile Barrick mantiene un forte bilancio per finanziare lo sviluppo di Lumwana e Reko Diq senza nuove azioni o debiti non necessari continuando nel contempo il suo programma di riacquisto di azioni Barrick Gold (NYSE:GOLD) ha lanzado su informe anual destacando avances significativos en proyectos de crecimiento y creación de valor sostenible La empresa completó estudios de viabilidad para dos proyectos de nivel uno: la expansión de Lumwana Super Pit en Zambia (agregando 8.3 millones de toneladas de reservas de cobre) y el proyecto Reko Diq en Pakistán (contribuyendo con 13 millones de onzas de oro y 7.3 millones de toneladas de reservas de cobre) La compañía reemplazó con éxito todo el oro y cobre extraído en 2024 reponiendo 4.6 millones de onzas de reservas minerales de oro atribuibles con grados mejorados Barrick proyecta un crecimiento del 30% en onzas equivalentes de oro para finales de la década La expansión de Pueblo Viejo en la República Dominicana avanza hacia convertirse en un productor de más de 800,000 onzas al año mientras que las operaciones en Nevada progresan en los proyectos Goldrush y Fourmile Barrick mantiene un balance sólido para financiar el desarrollo de Lumwana y Reko Diq sin nuevas acciones ni deudas innecesarias mientras continúa su programa de recompra de acciones 바릭 골드 (NYSE:GOLD)는 성장 프로젝트와 지속 가능한 가치 창출에서 중요한 진전을 강조하는 연례 보고서를 발표했습니다 이 회사는 두 개의 1급 프로젝트에 대한 타당성 조사 완료: 잠비아의 룸와나 슈퍼 핏 확장(830만 톤의 구리 매장량 추가)과 파키스탄의 레코 디크 프로젝트(1300만 온스의 금과 730만 톤의 구리 매장량 기여) 회사는 2024년에 채굴된 모든 금과 구리를 성공적으로 대체하여 개선된 품질로 460만 온스의 금 광물 매장량을 보충했습니다 도미니카 공화국의 푸에블로 비에호 확장은 연간 80만 온스 이상의 생산자로 발전하고 있으며 네바다의 Goldrush 및 Fourmile 프로젝트에서도 진전을 보고하고 있습니다 바릭은 새로운 주식이나 불필요한 부채 없이 룸와나 및 레코 디크 개발을 자금 지원하기 위해 강력한 재무 상태를 유지하고 있으며 Barrick Gold (NYSE:GOLD) a publié son rapport annuel mettant en évidence des progrès significatifs dans les projets de croissance et la création de valeur durable L'entreprise a achevé des études de faisabilité pour deux projets de premier ordre : l'expansion de la Lumwana Super Pit en Zambie (ajout de 8,3 millions de tonnes de réserves de cuivre) et le projet Reko Diq au Pakistan (contribuant avec 13 millions d'onces d'or et 7,3 millions de tonnes de réserves de cuivre) L'entreprise a réussi à remplacer tout l'or et le cuivre extraits en 2024 réapprovisionnant 4,6 millions d'onces de réserves minérales d'or attribuables avec des grades améliorés Barrick prévoit une croissance de 30 % des onces équivalentes d'or d'ici la fin de la décennie L'expansion de Pueblo Viejo en République dominicaine progresse vers une production de plus de 800 000 onces par an tandis que les opérations du Nevada voient des progrès dans les projets Goldrush et Fourmile Barrick maintient un bilan solide pour financer le développement de Lumwana et Reko Diq sans nouvelles actions ni dettes inutiles tout en poursuivant son programme de rachat d'actions Barrick Gold (NYSE:GOLD) hat seinen Jahresbericht veröffentlicht der bedeutende Fortschritte bei Wachstumsprojekten und der Schaffung nachhaltiger Werte hervorhebt Das Unternehmen hat Machbarkeitsstudien für zwei Tier-One-Projekte abgeschlossen: die Lumwana Super Pit Erweiterung in Sambia (mit einer Erhöhung der Kupferreserven um 8,3 Millionen Tonnen) und das Reko Diq Projekt in Pakistan (das 13 Millionen Unzen Gold und 7,3 Millionen Tonnen Kupferreserven beiträgt) Das Unternehmen hat 2024 erfolgreich sämtliches abgebautes Gold und Kupfer ersetzt und 4,6 Millionen Unzen an zugehörigen Goldmineralreserven mit verbesserten Gehalten aufgefüllt Barrick prognostiziert ein 30% Wachstum bei Goldäquivalentunzen bis zum Ende des Jahrzehnts Die Erweiterung von Pueblo Viejo in der Dominikanischen Republik schreitet voran um ein Produzent von über 800.000 Unzen pro Jahr zu werden während die Nevada-Operationen Fortschritte bei den Projekten Goldrush und Fourmile machen um die Entwicklung von Lumwana und Reko Diq ohne neue Aktien oder unnötige Schulden zu finanzieren während das Unternehmen weiterhin sein Aktienrückkaufprogramm fortsetzt Barrick Gold's annual report reveals significant operational growth potential that strengthens the company's long-term outlook The successful completion of feasibility studies for two major Tier One projects creates a substantial foundation for future production expansion With Lumwana adding 8.3 million tonnes of copper reserves and Reko Diq contributing 13 million ounces of gold and 7.3 million tonnes of copper reserves Barrick has materially expanded its resource base The company's ability to replace all gold and copper mined during the year while improving grades demonstrates exceptional resource management capabilities that few competitors can match This achievement provides confidence in Barrick's projected 30% growth in gold equivalent ounces by decade's end Barrick maintains financial strength that enables simultaneous funding of major development projects while continuing shareholder-friendly capital returns through its buyback program This financial flexibility represents a competitive advantage for executing its ambitious growth strategy without dilution The advancement of Pueblo Viejo toward 800,000+ ounce annual production alongside progress at Goldrush and the promising Fourmile project creates multiple avenues for production growth These developments position Barrick with a diversified portfolio across multiple geographies and metals providing both growth potential and risk mitigation Barrick's report contains several noteworthy operational developments The replacement of reserves at better grades is particularly impressive as it indicates both exploration success and the discovery of higher-quality ore bodies that should improve production economics The Fourmile project's advancement to prefeasibility with grades nearly double that of Goldrush represents an exceptional geological opportunity High-grade deposits like this have become increasingly rare in the gold mining industry making this a valuable asset that could significantly enhance Nevada operations' production profile and cost structure The integrated resource strategy demonstrated across Barrick's portfolio shows sophisticated technical planning Rather than pursuing growth through acquisitions the company has successfully expanded existing operations and advanced organic projects Barrick's apparent technical success in Zambia and Pakistan shows proficiency in complex geological environments and challenging jurisdictions The copper component of these projects is particularly strategic given the metal's importance in electrification and energy transition applications providing Barrick with exposure to both precious and industrial metal markets through the same asset base Barrick completed feasibility studies for the Lumwana Super Pit Expansion in Zambia and the Reko Diq project in Pakistan Both projects confirmed their Tier One1 potential with Lumwana contributing 8.3 million tonnes of copper reserves2 and Reko Diq adding 13 million ounces of gold reserves and 7.3 million tonnes of copper reserves on an attributable basis3 The company also successfully replaced all the gold and copper it mined during the year more than replenishing the 4.6 million ounces of attributable gold mineral reserve depletion at better grades.4 “Barrick stands alone in the industry as no other company matches our ability to replace the gold and copper we mine while simultaneously adding to our reserves through exploration and development Our integrated resource and exploration strategy has allowed us to build a foundation that supports a projected 30% growth in gold equivalent ounces out to the end of the decade,” Bristow said.5 The expansion at Pueblo Viejo in the Dominican Republic continued to make progress towards the mine’s target of becoming a plus 800,000 ounce per year Goldrush progressed its ramp up as planned while the adjacent Fourmile project has advanced to prefeasibility stage The 2024 preliminary economic assessment highlighted Fourmile’s world-class potential with a significantly larger orebody endowment at nearly double the grade of Goldrush.7 “Barrick maintains one of the strongest balance sheets in the industry This financial strength positions us to invest in our future as well as fund both the Lumwana and Reko Diq development projects without the need to issue new shares or take on unnecessary debt,” said Bristow our share buyback program not only returns capital to investors but also enhances per-share value underscoring our disciplined approach to capital allocation.” Bristow added that sustainability remained at the core of Barrick’s operations guiding its decisions and long-term strategy “Local partnerships continue to be crucial to advancing our sustainability efforts and ensuring our host nations receive their fair share of economic value along with delivering tangible benefits to local communities.” Also in the annual report chairman John Thornton highlighted Barrick’s ongoing efforts to diversify its Board “While we are pleased that two of our three committees are now chaired by women we believe we are never finished the work of adding to our Board’s diversity in every sense and dimension of the word Many different kinds of people make for more and better ideas livelier debate and stronger outcomes,” Thornton said Barrick’s 2024 Annual Report, Annual Information Form and Form 40-F are now available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and EDGAR (www.sec.gov) An updated National Instrument 43-101 technical report for the Carlin Complex To access the above-mentioned documents, please visit www.barrick.com. Shareholders may also receive a copy of Barrick’s audited financial statements without charge upon request to Barrick’s Investor Relations Department, 161 Bay Street, Suite 3700, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2S1 or to investor@barrick.com Investor and Media RelationsKathy du Plessis+44 20 7557 7738Email: barrick@dpapr.com Website: www.barrick.com A Tier One Gold Asset is an asset with a $1,400/oz reserve with potential to deliver a minimum 10-year life annual production of at least 500,000 ounces of gold and with costs per ounce in the lower half of the industry cost curve A Tier One Copper Asset/Project is an asset with a $3.00/lb reserve with potential for +5Mt contained copper in support of at least 20 years life with costs per pound in the lower half of the industry cost curve Tier One Assets must be located in a world-class geological district with potential for organic reserve growth and long-term geologically driven addition Lumwana proven reserves of 140 million grading 0.49% representing 0.68 million tonnes of copper probable mineral reserves of 1,500 million tonnes grading 0.53% representing 7.6 million tonnes of copper measured resources of 170 million tonnes grading 0.45% representing 0.77 million tonnes of copper indicated resources of 1,800 million tonnes grading 0.50% representing 9.2 million tonnes of copper and inferred resources of 230 million tonnes grading 0.40% representing 0.91 million tonnes of copper Complete mineral reserve and mineral resource data for all mines and projects can be found on pages 84-92 of Barrick’s Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2024 Report For further information with respect to the key assumptions parameters and risks associated with Lumwana and other technical information please refer to the Technical Report on the Lumwana Expansion Project 2024 and filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov on February 19 Reko Diq probable reserves of 1,400 million tonnes grading 0.28g/t representing 13 million ounces of gold probable reserves of 1,500 million tonnes grading 0.48% representing 7.3 million tonnes of copper indicated resources of 1,800 million tonnes grading 0.25g/t representing 15 million ounces of gold indicated resources of 2,000 million tonnes grading 0.43% representing 8.4 million tonnes of copper inferred resources of 640 million tonnes grading 0.2g/t representing 3.9 million ounces of gold and inferred resources of 690 million tonnes grading 0.3% representing 2.2 million tonnes of copper parameters and risks associated with Reko Diq the mineral reserve and resource estimates included herein and other technical information please refer to the Technical Report on the Reko Diq Project Proven and probable reserve gains calculated from cumulative net change in reserves from year end 2019 to 2024 Reserve replacement percentage is calculated from the cumulative net change in reserves from 2020 to 2024 divided by the cumulative depletion in reserves from year end 2019 to 2024 as shown in the table below: Attributable acquisitions and divestments includes the following: a decrease of 2.2 Moz in proven and probable gold reserves from December 31 as a result of the divestiture of Barrick's Massawa gold project effective March 4 2020; and a decrease of 0.91 Moz in proven and probable gold reserves from December 31 as a result of the change in Barrick's ownership interest in Porgera from 47.5% to 24.5% and the net impact of the asset exchange of Lone Tree to i-80 Gold for the remaining 50% of South Arturo that Nevada Gold Mines did not already own All estimates are estimated in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects as required by Canadian securities regulatory authorities representing 3,700 million pounds of copper (which is equal to 1.7 million tonnes of copper) Probable reserves of 1,000 million tonnes grading 1.48 g/t representing 49 million ounces of gold and 1,200 million tonnes grading 0.38% representing 9,800 million pounds of copper (which is equal to 4.4 million tonnes of copper) Conversions may not recalculate due to rounding.Estimates as of December 31 unless otherwise noted: Proven reserves of 280 million tonnes grading 2.37g/t representing 3,000 million pounds of copper (which is equal to 1.4 million tonnes of copper) Probable reserves of 990 million tonnes grading 1.46g/t representing 9,700 million pounds of copper (which is equal to 4.4 million tonnes of copper) Proven mineral reserves of 240 million tonnes grading 2.20g/t representing 17 million ounces of gold and 380 million tonnes grading 0.41% representing 3,400 million pounds of copper (which is equal to 1.6 million tonnes of copper) and probable reserves of 1,000 million tonnes grading 1.60g/t representing 53 million ounces of gold and 1,100 million tonnes grading 0.37% representing 8,800 million pounds of copper (which is equal to 4.0 million tonnes of copper) Proven mineral reserves of 260 million tonnes grading 2.26g/t representing 19 million ounces of gold and 390 million tonnes grading 0.40% representing 3,500 million pounds of copper (which is equal to 1.6 million tonnes of copper) and probable reserves of 1,200 million tonnes grading 1.53g/t representing 57 million ounces of gold and 1,100 million tonnes grading 0.37% Conversions may not recalculate due to rounding.Estimates are as of December 31 Proven mineral reserves of 250 million tonnes grading 1.85g/t Probable reserves of 1,200 million tonnes grading 1.61g/t representing 4.3 million tonnes of copper.Estimates are as of December 31 Proven mineral reserves of 270 million tonnes grading 1.75g/t Probable reserves of 2,500 million tonnes grading 0.90g/t Gold equivalent ounces calculated from our copper assets are calculated using a gold price of $1,400/oz and copper price of $3.00/lb Barrick’s five-year indicative production profile for gold equivalent ounces is based on the following assumptions: sustaining projects in progress and exploration/ mineral resource management initiatives in execution This outlook is based on our current reserves and resources and assumes that we will continue to be able to convert resources into reserves new project initiatives and divestitures are not included For the company’s gold and copper segments and where applicable for a specific region this indicative outlook is subject to change and assumes the following: new open pit production permitted and commencing at Hemlo in the second half of 2025 allowing three years for permitting and two years for prestripping prior to first ore production in 2027; Tongon will enter care and maintenance by 2027; and production from the Zaldívar CuproChlor® Chloride Leach Project (Antofagasta is the operator of Zaldívar) Our five-year indicative outlook excludes production from Fourmile both of which are currently in care and maintenance; and production from long-term greenfield optionality from Donlin Barrick’s five-year production profile in this press release also assumes an indicative gold and copper production profile for Reko Diq and an indicative copper production profile for the Lumwana Super Pit expansion Loulo-Gounkoto has been excluded from Barrick’s 2025 guidance as a result of the temporary suspension of operations We expect to update our guidance to include Loulo-Gounkoto when we have greater certainty regarding the timing for the restart of operations For purposes of this indicative five-year forecast only we have assumed a scenario where Loulo-Gounkoto resumes operations on April 1 There can be no assurances that a definitive agreement to resolve the ongoing dispute with the Government of Mali will be reached by April 1 Refer to page 9 of the MD&A accompanying Barrick’s annual 2024 financial statements for additional information Refer to the Technical Report on the Pueblo Viejo Mine 2023 and filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov on March 17 Fourmile’s financial metrics and production metrics are based upon Barrick’s internal preliminary economic assessment which is conceptual in nature and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized Barrick anticipates Fourmile will be incorporated into the Nevada Gold Mines joint venture The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Craig Fiddes Mineral Resources Manager: Africa and Middle East; Peter Jones Manager Resource Geology - Latin America and Asia Pacific; Simon Bottoms Mineral Resource Management and Evaluation Executive; and Joel Holliday Exploration — each a “Qualified Person” as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects All mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates are estimated in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects such mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates are as of December 31 Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information Certain information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release including any information as to our strategy plans or future financial or operating performance “believe” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements this press release contains forward-looking statements including with respect to: Barrick’s forward-looking production guidance and our five and ten-year production profiles for gold and copper; Barrick’s global exploration strategy and planned exploration activities; our ability to convert resources into reserves and future reserve replacement; Barrick’s strategy targets and goals in respect of environmental and social governance issues; our talent management initiatives; Barrick’s future plans investments and overall strategy; and expectations regarding future price assumptions shareholder returns and other outlook or guidance Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions including material estimates and assumptions related to the factors set forth below that while considered reasonable by the Company as at the date of this press release in light of management’s experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments are inherently subject to significant business economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information but are not limited to: fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold copper or certain other commodities (such as silver natural gas and electricity); risks associated with projects in the early stages of evaluation and for which additional engineering and other analysis is required; risks related to the possibility that future exploration results will not be consistent with the Company’s expectations that quantities or grades of reserves will be diminished and that resources may not be converted to reserves; risks associated with the fact that certain of the initiatives described in this press release are still in the early stages and may not materialize; changes in mineral production performance exploitation and exploration successes; risks that exploration data may be incomplete and considerable additional work may be required to complete further evaluation engineering and socioeconomic studies and investment; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; lack of certainty with respect to foreign legal systems corruption and other factors that are inconsistent with the rule of law; changes in national and local government legislation controls or regulations and/or changes in the administration of laws policies and practices; including the status of value added tax refunds received in connection with the Pascua-Lama project; expropriation or nationalization of property and political or economic developments in Canada Mali or other countries in which Barrick does or may carry on business in the future; risks relating to political instability in certain of the jurisdictions in which Barrick operates; timing of receipt of necessary permits and approvalsnon-renewal of key licenses by governmental authorities; failure to comply with environmental and health and safety laws and regulations; increased costs and physical and transition risks related to climate change emerging policies and increased regulations relating to greenhouse gas emission levels energy efficiency and reporting of risks; the Company’s ability to achieve its sustainability goals; contests over title to properties particularly title to undeveloped properties power and other required infrastructure; the liability associated with risks and hazards in the mining industry and the ability to maintain insurance to cover such losses; damage to the Company’s reputation due to the actual or perceived occurrence of any number of events including negative publicity with respect to the Company’s handling of environmental matters or dealings with community groups whether true or not; risks related to operations near communities that may regard Barrick's operations as being detrimental to them; litigation and legal and administrative proceedings; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities tailings dam and storage facilities failures and disruptions in the maintenance or provision of required infrastructure and information technology systems; increased costs suspensions and technical challenges associated with the construction of capital projects; risks associated with working with partners in jointly controlled assets; risks related to disruption of supply routes which may cause delays in construction and mining activities including disruptions in the supply of key mining inputs due to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and conflicts in the Middle East; risk of loss due to acts of war sabotage and civil disturbances; risks associated with artisanal and illegal mining; risks associated with Barrick’s infrastructure information technology systems and the implementation of Barrick’s technological initiatives including risks related to cybersecurity incidents including those caused by computer viruses or similar information technology system failures delays and/or disruptions;; the impact of global liquidity and credit availability on the timing of cash flows and the values of assets and liabilities based on projected future cash flows; the impact of inflation including global inflationary pressures driven by supply chain disruptions global energy cost increases following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and country-specific political and economic factors in Argentina; adverse changes in our credit ratings; fluctuations in the currency markets; changes in U.S tariff and other controls on imports and exports immigration or other policies that may impact relations with foreign countries or impact Barrick’s existing operations and material growth projects; risks arising from holding derivative instruments (such as credit risk market liquidity risk and mark-to-market risk); risks related to the demands placed on the Company's management; the ability of management to implement its business strategy and enhanced political risk in certain jurisdictions; uncertainty whether some or all of Barrick's targeted investments and projects will meet the Company’s capital allocation objectives and internal hurdle rate; whether benefits expected from recent transactions are realized; business opportunities that may be presented to the Company; our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions or complete divestitures; risks related to competition in the mining industry; employee relations including loss of key employees; availability and increased costs associated with mining inputs and labor; risks associated with diseases epidemics and pandemics; risks related to the failure of internal controls; and risks related to the impairment of the Company’s goodwill and assets there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration copper cathode or gold or copper concentrate losses (and the risk of inadequate insurance Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements Specific reference is made to the most recent Form 40-F/Annual Information Form on file with the SEC and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities for a more detailed discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements and the risks that may affect Barrick’s ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information Already have an account? Login 1007 Seaway Drive on South Beach Fort Pierce in the former location of Downtown Benny’s Pizza and the Pho Deli before that Brothers Rene Rodriguez and Eddie Rodriguez are natives of Puerto Vallarta They are not strangers to the restaurant industry, as their brother owns the chain of six Pueblo Viejo restaurants View the entire menu which includes typical Mexican restaurant fare and combo dishes When did Puerto Vallarta Mexican Cuisine open?Aug 772-577-6825, puertovallartaftpierce.com, Facebook Cheryl Smith is TCPalm's enterprise editor The Dominican Republic is home to Barrick Gold’s Pueblo Viejo mine the largest mine in Latin America and the Caribbean The Dominican Republic announced it will  establish a state-owned mining company to explore and exploit the country’s strategic resources The Dominican Presidency said in a statement that  Empresa Minera Dominicana S.A. exploit and asses the economic viability of the country’s natural resources Emidom will be attached to the Ministry of Energy and Mines tasked with negotiating contracts and forming alliances with international firms The board will be led by the minister of the Presidency The state-owned mining firm will oversee the management of the Avila mining reserve in the Southern Pedenales province that borders Haiti the region was declared an area of interest by the Presidency and should be explored to source rare earth projects The US military in 2023 sent a team of engineering researchers to the region to work with local authorities to evaluate the areas viability.   The researchers discovered that the region has a high level of rare elements but needed the resources and expertise to define the size of the areas and whether the concentration of materials available were economically viable to exploit.  Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis The Dominican Republic is home to the Barrick Gold-operated Pueblo Viejo mine Barrick Gold’s reported net earnings in the second quarter of 2024 were $370m, this up from of $295m in the first quarter of the year According to Mining Technology’s parent company, GlobalData the Dominican Republic has 36 mining projects in total The remaining three mines are in separate stages Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights View all newsletters from across the GlobalData Media network ShareSaveCommentMoneyMarketsWhy Is Barrick Stock Down When Gold Prices Up?ByTrefis Team Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Building a platform to do the job of 1 million analystsfor Great SpeculationsFollow AuthorDec 18 ONTARIO - MARCH 05: People visit the booth of Barrick Gold Corporation during the .. More Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) annual convention 2023 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre on March 5 (Photo by Yu Ruidong/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images) Barrick Gold stock (NYSE: GOLD) has fallen about 21% in the last two months This compares to the S&P 500 which remains up by about 3% and gold prices which have fallen about 2% over the same period The underperformance comes even though gold prices have been surging this year rising from levels of around $2,050 per ounce in early January to about $2,650 currently - marking among the highest annual rise in a decade market volatility and geopolitical risks have diverted investors to the safe haven of gold The Consumer Price Index for November rose by 2.7% and this could pave the way for a rate cut by the Fed in the near future So why hasn’t Barrick - one of the largest gold producers in the world - stock risen with the tremendous increase in gold prices this year and clocked >91% returns since inception Barrick’s all-in sustaining costs rose 20% year-over-year This increase is likely due to lower production along with inflationary pressures on inputs like labor higher gold prices could be leading miners to become less disciplined about controlling costs The faster rise in costs for Barrick may be driving investors toward more cost-efficient mining companies Given the current uncertain macroeconomic environment around rate cuts and multiple wars could GOLD face a similar situation as it did in 2021 and 2023 and underperform the S&P over the next 12 months - or will it see a recovery GOLD Return Compared With Trefis Reinforced Portfolio No Agreement Reached After Three Days of Meetings Between Barrick Gold and Communities in the Dominican Republic a Commission leader circulated voice memo updates widely on WhatsApp and invited community members to a town hall to share a more detailed report of the negotiations He explained that the compensation offers from Barrick Gold and the government were inadequate He claimed that the company and government only offered 1,800 Dominican pesos (about $30 USD) per cacao tree 80 Dominican pesos (about $1.30 USD) per pineapple tree 4000 Dominican pesos (about $66 USD) per coconut palm tree the minimum market price for a cacao tree should be around 4,000 Dominican pesos The leader emphasized that most community members rely on growing cacao as their livelihood The community leader claimed that the Commission acted in good faith and even lowered the community’s proposed prices for the communities during the negotiations He shared there were foreigners in the meeting with decision-making power who could not speak Spanish the Commission gathered with impacted communities to discuss the negotiation meetings Videos of the town hall were widely distributed on WhatsApp One Commission leader shared that Graham Shuttleworth Barrick Gold’s Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer was at the negotiations with an interpreter.  an impassioned community member proclaimed “We’re not selling; we didn’t go looking for Barrick Gold Barrick Gold came because it wants what’s ours.” Another community member expressed concerns over Barrick’s role in their dirty water and the evacuation of rich lands Many community members are outraged at what they believe to be falsehoods in Barrick’s position memorialized in another Barceló letter dated November 29th and a press release dated November 30th They question how the company could have engaged in good faith with them to resolve their concerns about compensation and the number of families that should be resettled when Barrick began bringing heavy equipment––accompanied by soldiers––near their homes before any resettlement negotiation was reached This time Juana Barceló’s letter addresses all communities Barceló characterizes the Commission’s compensation demands as “exorbitant,” “unjustified,” “unjust,” “unreasonable,” and not based on market price with “unjustified and hyperinflated tariffs.” does not copy the Minister of Energy and Mines and yet explains that “per the IFC Performance Standards when a collective agreement cannot be reached we will consider relying on the Constitution the Law and the Dominican Tribunals to determine the just market price and land acquisitions.” The first group of homes to be relocated is expected by the end of the year provided the roads are no longer blocked.  Barrick Gold’s subsequent press release repeats much of Barceló’s letter’s but includes two assertions that Barceló omits The press release claims that Commission members intimidated landowners who reached an agreement with Pueblo Viejo in line with the IFC Performance Standards Article 13 is advancing options with the Government of Dominican Republic to pursue involuntary resettlement through national legislation.”  which reads: “In cases where affected persons reject compensation offers that meet the requirements of this Performance Standard and expropriation or other legal procedures are initiated the client will explore opportunities to collaborate with the responsible government agency play an active role in resettlement planning then it is worth noting the objectives under Standard 5 Communities deserve to have the full scope of their rights realized and resettlement negotiations must take this into account Community members will be marching once again to Barrick’s office on December 10th in protest Increasing US Mining While Reducing Oversight Puts Frontline Communities at Further Risk A String of Tailings Dam Failures Shows the Urgency of Putting Safety First Fighting Mining Injustice Protecting Communities from Tailings Disasters Sánchez Ramírez.- Barrick Gold Corporation has completed its drilling program and decided to terminate its exploration rights on Precipitate Gold Corp’s Pueblo Grande project in the Dominican Republic The decision follows final analytical results from the latest drilling phase which did not yield significant gold mineralization Barrick has issued a 30-day written notice to end its purchase agreement for a 70% interest in the project Precipitate Gold confirmed that once the notice period expires all obligations under the agreement will cease except for specific provisions outlined in the contract Barrick’s extensive exploration activities—spanning surface mapping and drilling in both the Pueblo Grande North and South zones—did not support its geological expectations for continued investment Local March 25 Barrick remains focused on expanding its resource base through exploration The company continues to seek new targets and projects that align with its long-term strategy of extending mine life and enhancing production through organic growth Santo Domingo.- Barrick Pueblo Viejo has launched the Field Guide to Hylid Tadpoles of Hispaniola highlighting its commitment to national biodiversity and responsible mining This guide provides essential tools for identifying hylid tadpole species across Hispaniola facilitating the differentiation of native tadpoles from invasive species like Aquarana catesbeiana (bullfrog tadpole) and Rhinella marina (cane toad tadpole) It includes detailed morphological diagrams and adult stages to support biodiversity conservation Protecting hylid tadpoles and their habitats is essential for balancing aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems as these amphibians play a key role in pest control consuming an estimated four thousand tons of insects annually amphibians on the island face threats from climate change all 44 amphibian species found on Hispaniola […] Local October 29 all 44 amphibian species found on Hispaniola are endemic The Field Guide to Hylid Tadpoles of Hispaniola, prepared by researchers Pedro A. Galvis, Marco Rada, Santiago J. Sánchez-Pacheco, José Gil, and Alejandro Mejía, is available for free download at www.puebloviejolugardevalor.com Barrick Pueblo Viejo encourages the public to utilize this resource to deepen their understanding of these species and their critical ecological roles Best Coffee Shops in San Antonio The Best New Restaurants in Austin, May 2025 The Best Restaurants in Austin for Private Dining, Events, and Parties overstuffed tacos at Vaquero Taquero; flavorful vegan versions at Bouldin Creek Cafe; and the must-try combinations at Pueblo Viejo Austin is a city obsessed with breakfast tacos The eggy creations are how locals start their mornings and a first stop for visitors Eater has updated this map to rotate out Paco’s Tacos the very casual Windsor Hills restaurant is a great destination for breakfast tacos which Ken’s serves until the restaurant closes after lunch Enter the bright yellow dining room to create your dream breakfast taco combination with stuffings like eggs You’ll receive efficient service and extra-large As the name suggests, this taqueria was once a trailer but is now a neighborhood favorite in Windsor Park. The team at the small restaurant makes tortillas to order, so while there is online to-go ordering but don’t be afraid to build your own breakfast concoction SXSW 2024: Where to Eat and Drink in Austin Open for 35 years, this Tex-Mex restaurant is a Cherrywood classic. Spice lovers should choose the house-made machacado with pico and eggs to shake up their breakfast taco routine. The cute indoor dining room is sprinkled with Mexican knick-knacks like figurines and lotería cards, and the outdoor patio has a good view of the bustle of Manor Road. There’s also online to-go orders if you’re in a hurry A post shared by TAMALE HOUSE (@tamale_house) The Best Restaurant and Bar Patios in Austin Where to Eat and Drink on the East Side of Austin This Holly neighborhood restaurant is a classic East Austin institution (and one of the James Beard Foundation’s Classic Restaurants in 2023) It’s famous for extra-crispy bacon — the secret is or enjoy your tacos with fresh air out on the small outdoor patio A post shared by Mackenzie • Foodie! (@macksmusings) this cash-only Holly truck serves up delightful breakfast tacos with fresh corn tortillas The migas with extra-crispy corn strips are a favorite among those in the know A post shared by FoodandTravel (@food_and_travel0) 21 Tempting Cheap Tacos for Under $3 in Austin A post shared by Bouldin Creek Cafe (@bouldincreekcafeatx) With simple but tasty offerings and some of the fluffiest tortillas in town, the tiny Bouldin Creek cart is South Austin’s most beloved breakfast taco destination. The migas with ham is an epic taco. Be warned: There will likely be a line, and the cart only accepts cash, so be sure to get there early and bring cash. The outdoor dining area is small, so ordering online is smart if you plan to take your tacos elsewhere The Best South Lamar Restaurants and Bars in Austin The taco mini-chain has multiple locations across the city (this one in Bouldin Creek and others in North Austin offering convenient and great breakfast tacos Find corn and flour tortillas with the usual fillings (chorizo A post shared by Tanya’s Food Club (@soflofoodclub) The Austin mini-chain has it all: great tacos, online ordering Pueblo’s East Riverside location is a restaurant with indoor dine-in service while the others exist in truck form in Dawson at Cosmic Coffee which are all hosted at sites with indoor and outdoor dine-in areas Azua.- The Permanent Commission for National Commemorations and the Mayor’s Office of Pueblo Viejo celebrated the “Day of Chief Enriquillo” on September 27 with a vibrant cultural event honoring the Taíno nobleman and first guerrilla fighter in the Americas who led a rebellion against Spanish colonial authorities The ceremony took place at the ruins of the colonial church of Las Mercedes where Chief Enriquillo’s remains are believed to be The event featured speeches from local officials and cultural figures and Professor Lidia Martínez de Macarrulla a key advocate for locating Enriquillo’s remains president of the Permanent Commission of Patriotic Anniversaries emphasized that honoring Enriquillo’s legacy strengthens national identity and sovereignty echoing President Luis Abinader’s decree 783-21 Local September 27 which established September 27 as “Enriquillo Day.” The event included indigenous rituals bringing together hundreds of students and community members to celebrate the legacy of this historic leader Food + Drink by | Nov 19 82868 Miles Ave., Indio442-215-4056gabinoscreperieast.com 82707 Miles Ave., Indio760-777-2305encorecoffee.bar 81931 Highway 111, Indio760-342-5900puebloviejogrill.com 82867 Miles Ave., Suite 1, Indio442-400-3480indiotaphouse.com 82867 Miles Ave., Indio442-400-3479italica.bar 49990 Jefferson St., Suite 110, Indio760-776-7030thelocalon50th.com high priority target areas within Precipitate’s 100%-owned Pueblo Grande Project located immediately adjacent to the Pueblo Viejo gold mine operated by Barrick in the Dominican Republic The Phase III drill program tests targets at both the Pueblo Grande Norte and Pueblo Grande Sur zones within the Project Drilling at the Pueblo Grande Norte zone will follow up on a horizon of favorable alteration related to silica and sulphide hydrothermal brecciation intercepted in Barrick’s previous drilling campaigns Barrick has also mobilized a drill rig to Pueblo Grande Sur to test a blind target associated with chargeability anomalies identified below a limestone and sedimentary rock sequence “We’re pleased to see the commencement of a third phase of drilling at our Pueblo Grande project as Barrick’s geophysical and geochemical work to date within the Project’s Pueblo Grande Norte and Pueblo Grande Sur zones has delineated priority drill targets The program is designed to test for postulated high sulphidation epithermal style gold mineralization concealed at relatively shallow depths to 250 metres We look forward to receipt of assays as results become available.” Barrick’s work is part of an earn-in agreement whereby Barrick has the right to earn a 70% interest in Precipitate’s Pueblo Grande Project by spending US$22.0 million on work expenditures and delivering a Pre-feasibility study by April 14 Under an amendment to the earn-in agreement Precipitate and Barrick agreed to increase the earn-in agreement’s total required work expenditure from the original US$10.0 million to US$22.0 million representing an increase in expenditures of over 120% The Pueblo Grande Project is owned 100% by Precipitate Gold and is located in the Sanchez Ramirez province immediately adjacent to the Pueblo Viejo mining operation operated by Barrick Pueblo Grande is contiguous to the Pueblo Viejo mine operated by Barrick and surrounds the Pueblo Viejo mine site on the west covering about 7,105.73 contiguous hectares Precipitate Gold is focused on exploring and advancing its mineral property interests in the Pueblo Viejo Mining Camp and Tireo Gold Trend of the Dominican Republic is company that offers investors an opportunity to participate.. By Peter Kennedy Namib Minerals is set to become a publicly traded company in the U.S.,.. is a company that offers investors an opportunity into early-stage.. is entering a new growth phase as it moves to.. By Peter Kennedy Lack of available infrastructure has long been a perceived impediment to the development.. By Peter Kennedy The Golden Triangle mining district in northwestern British Columbia ranks among the richest.. Experiences from a recent trip to the Dominican Republic In November of 2022, I traveled to the Dominican Republic, with representatives from MiningWatch Canada and the NYU Global Justice Clinic to learn more about the impacts of Barrick Gold’s Pueblo Viejo mine on local communities as well as to understand how communities are advocating for remedy for the environmental and human rights abuses committed by the company I was impressed by the organizing capacity and strength of the local communities to demand remedy for their rights and propose solutions to the problems created by decades of mining And I was disappointed by the lack of transparency on the part of the government and Barrick and their refusal to provide even basic information to those suffering the brunt of the mine’s impacts.  Mining under the special contract is not subject to national mining law and the contract included a clause that required Barrick to pay $37M in environmental remediation for contamination at the mine site in return for being absolved of all future liability for historic contamination.  Unfortunately legacy and current environmental contamination continue to significantly impact downstream communities.  meaning if the dam were to fail it would likely lead to over 100 lives lost and major environmental loss or deterioration where restoration or compensation in kind would be impossible Crops have also been affected and we were told that fruits like mangoes and cacao grow but rot on the plant before they are ready to be harvested This has created a food desert where communities are forced to travel to buy basic staples they once were able to produce themselves.  In 2014, a report by investigative journalist Nuria Piera published lab results showing cyanide and heavy metals in the blood of residents living in four communities near the mine and skin lesions are common in community members living near the mine We spoke with residents who have been told they have elevated lead levels in their blood and their doctors advised them that their health would not improve unless they moved away from the mining operations.  we visited the community of Nuevo Llagal where houses were built for the displaced families as part of the agreement We heard that the relocation has been difficult because families were moved to a semi-urban area where they do not have access to land to plant food for their families and/or for their income We heard from a number of women who said they have a hard time paying their bills I would have stayed where I was.” We also spoke with farmers who lost the land that was their main source of income when the dam was built but 13 years later still have not received any compensation or a comparable plot of land in a different location.   In spite of the fraught relocation process six communities downstream from the tailings dam and next to the processing plant are demanding relocation as a result of the environmental and health problems associated with living next to the mine At the insistence of the CNR and local residents the Dominican government carried out a census that identified 369 families in the region that should qualify for relocation only the 65 original families have been able to complete the relocation process The CNR has worked with partners like the Espacio Nacional por la Transparencia de la Industria Extractivas (ENTRE) to develop a community-centered relocation plan Communities and others have serious concerns about pushing ahead to build a new dam when significant environmental and human rights issues from current operations are still unresolved Tailings Communities around the Pueblo Viejo mine complain of serious health problems and a diminished environment and have spent years campaigning to be relocated The roof is corrugated iron and the walls are wood Outside,the 114-metre-tall grey wall of the dam looms large. Behind it lies a lake of waste from the mining process, where machinery and chemicals, along with a huge volume of water, are used to grind up rock to extract gold and silver. Many substances found in tailings are lethal Casilda Lima who lives in the shadow of the tailings dam of the Pueblo Viejo goldmine says she was told she had high lead and heavy metal levels in her blood She alleges it is because of the pollution from the Pueblo Viejo goldmine and the dam “I never suffered from anything before Barrick came,” says Lima “Now I have a lot of headaches and kidney problems I find it hard to breathe and get very dizzy.” She lives with her five children and two nephews who also have health problems “My 23-year-son doesn’t stop getting headaches and feeling dizzy,” she says Casilda Lima outside the home she shares with her five children and two nephews Photograph: The GuardianLas Lagunas is one of six communities collectively home to more than 450 families in the area surrounding the Barrick-built tailings dam whose representatives have alleged grave harms to health livelihoods and environment due to mining operations Barrick plans to expand the Pueblo Viejo mine and to build a new tailings dam three times the size of El Llagal less than a mile away A report by Steven H Emerman found that the environmental impact study Barrick presented to the Dominican government was “incomplete” did not properly explore safer alternatives and underestimated the consequences of failure countered that Emerman’s report itself lacked supporting data and analysis was not subject to peer review and is contradictory Both the existing and proposed dams have been rated as “extreme” meaning that more than 100 fatalities are expected in the event of dam failure Activists Pedro Guzmán Photograph: The Guardian“It’s a barbarity,” says Fernando Peña the coordinator of the Espacio Nacional por la Transparencia en las Industrias Extractivas (Entre) a coalition of more than 100 organisations monitoring mining in the Dominican Republic adding that Barrick’s arguments do not justify installing the tailings dam Plans for the new dam and mine’s expansion are forefront in the minds of the Comité Nuevo Renacer (New Rebirth Committee) Its headquarters are painted with skulls and crossbones and phrases “Yes to life” and “Relocation now!” they have been asking the government and Barrick to relocate people sits down at a table to explain what has changed over the past 12 years: “There are many people who suffer respiratory problems heart problems and depression because of the situation Members of the Comité Nuevo Renacer: Pedro Guzmán Photograph: The GuardianCommunity members have repeatedly highlighted possible water contamination Barrick and the Dominican mining ministry say Pueblo Viejo is not responsible another company had started mining on the property in 1975 the Dominican government acquired the site “significant historical environmental contamination” as well as those from other operating mines persisted outside of the responsibility and liability of Barrick” She adds that Barrick provided $75m (£59m) to clean up areas outside its boundary All water is treated to meet regulatory standards before it is discharged and the sole discharge point is the Margajita River Tests are carried out daily to ensure compliance A ministry of mining spokesperson says analysis carried out by the government concluded there was no direct impact on people’s health and livestock from current mining operations in the area Free newsletterGet a different world view with a roundup of the best news Pedro Guzmán, a local activist, in the hills overlooking the goldmine. Photograph: The GuardianHowever, some people say they’ve seen a decrease in cacao production Others described how fruits they used to grow easily forcing people to buy food from the town market five miles away “The Pueblo Viejo mine is one of the biggest in the world,” says Ramos there are people here who only eat once a day Barceló says Pueblo Viejo has invested $7m in community agribusiness projects and cacao plantations and that cocoa production in the area has generally increased since 2008 In 2019, it was reported that the publication of a study by a Canadian university professor showing widespread dissatisfaction with the goldmine was stopped by the Dominican government after Barrick raised concerns about the results. Dominican law requires 25% annual income tax and a 5% contribution of net profits to municipalities where the mine is located from mining concessionaires The Comité Nuevo Renacer headquarters The message here is clear: ‘Barrick es muerte’ Barrick is death Photograph: The GuardianA plan to relocate 450 families from the affected communities was drawn up Barceló and the ministry of mining say they are not aware of such a plan many people have moved into the area around the mine with the express intention to be resettled and to benefit financially.” She claims many families seeking resettlement live upstream of Barrick’s operations making it “impossible for the mine to have contributed to any contamination of waters even setting aside the fact that we do not discharge into this catchment” A letter sent to Barrick and government ministries in May last year coordinated by Entre and signed by 16 Dominican and international organisations claims “the harms alleged by community members may suggest a contravention of Barrick’s international human rights commitments Protest signs in the forest around the Barrick Pueblo Viejo mine Photograph: The GuardianBarceló rejects this saying those at the company pride themselves “on being good corporate citizens and conscientious and responsible stewards of the environment” the six communities’ situation is attracting wider attention the president of the human rights committee of the Dominican Chamber of Deputies told parliamentarians in December that what he and his team saw “filled us with horror” and that “the only solution that these 450 families have is to be transferred to another place” He added: “It is not possible that there is no authority in the Dominican Republic that can tell that company (Barrick) find the formula so that these people can live and have a future.’” Your gateway to environmental health knowledge Join the Environmental Health News community 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. “There are many people who suffer respiratory problems 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 the environmental degradation threatens local agriculture and biodiversity Learn more about the environmental effects of mining: hand-picked by our editors and researchers We offer a host of daily and weekly options Nonprofit organizations MADE SAFE and Plastic Pollution Coalition released the new Healthy Pregnancy Guideto help parents-to-be navigate the challenges of making healthier living choices for babies and the planet a newsroom powered by Environmental Health Sciences It all improves the health of our communities Popular Mexican restaurant now has second location Pueblo Viejo owners Antonio Sanchez and Carlos Munoz have expanded with a second location in Grand Island where they remodeled a former Mexican restaurant on South Locust Street Earthworks is in solidarity with communities near the Pueblo Viejo mine in the Dominican Republic The Pueblo Viejo mine is the sixth-largest gold mine in the world and there has been mining activity at or near the site of the mine since the 1970s The mine has been a 60/40 joint venture between Canada-based Barrick Gold and U.S.-based Newmont since 2006 legacy and current environmental contamination continue to impact downstream communities significantly Communities downstream from the Pueblo Viejo mine feel the effects of living in such proximity Residents reported having to clean their houses daily to remove a layer of black dust that accumulates on every surface communities have received bottled water for drinking and food preparation since 2011 first from the company and then from the government Each family receives only 15 gallons twice weekly so they often rely on contaminated tap water for bathing and washing.  Community members also contend that local rivers have been contaminated with heavy metals and toxins. There have been multiple reports of livestock deaths after drinking water from rivers below the tailings dam oranges and cacao grow but rot on the plant before they are ready to be harvested This has created a food desert where communities are forced to travel to buy basic staples they once could produce The Comité Nuevo Renacer (CNR) is an organization of five impacted communities—La Cerca and Jurungo—advocating for relocation in response to the environmental and health problems associated with living next to the mine At the insistence of the CNR and residents families have been unable to complete the relocation process but we are one of the poorest provinces in the country even though we live next to one of the largest gold mines in the world…We want to ask: if the company is allowed to destroy the streams and rivers that provided water to five communities why haven’t there been any efforts to relocate us to another area without all of the pollution and with access to water?”  — Leoncia Ramos A group of Coachella elected officials celebrated the opening of a $47.9 million affordable housing community on Monday Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia and city council members took part in the grand opening Pueblo Viejo Villas a 105-unit development with 10 units set aside for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to see the city of Coachella and its developmental partners come together to create communities that meet so many needs like affordable housing and access to convenient public transportation,” Garcia The affordable housing community is located near City Hall and the public library as the focus of redevelopment activity in the area The units are expected to be fully occupied by June 1 which claims to have developed more than 12,000 units of affordable housing Pacific Southwest Community Development Corporation will offer residents a minimum of 84 hours of free on-site adult educational and skill-building classes each year The classes will include computer literacy health and wellness workshops and a food distribution program The area’s Pueblo Viejo Master Plan — which includes civic residential and mixed-use component redevelopment plans — is also set to include a 108-unit apartment community also by Chelsea which will receive more than $4 million in funding from the Infill Infrastructure Grant funds “We are experiencing more often that municipalities are not just building to build capacity — they are building to fill a long-important need of affordable housing centered around transportation hubs,” said Jim Schmid founder and CEO of Chelsea Investment Corp “The city of Coachella has been a significant change in the valley and we are proud to be the city’s partner.” It's one of several affordable housing projects underway in the city Placita Dolores Huerta, a new affordable housing project in the City of Coachella, broke ground April 29 and was named after the social justice icon and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient who was in attendance for the event.  Placita Dolores Huerta is set to have 110 total units two- and three-bedroom designs aimed to be completed by fall of 2023 The project will be done in two phases with the first consisting of the demolition and ground-up construction of the existing housing structures at the site. The new units are financed to remain affordable for 55 years.  Funding for the project includes a $22.6 million grant from the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee which oversees federal and state low-income housing tax credit programs Much of the project’s remaining costs are funded by $1 million in Riverside County HOME Funds a $3.8 million City of Coachella CFD loan and USDA Rural Development financing.  Previous reporting by Desert Sun reporter Eliana Perez is included in this report Barrick has proposed an expansion project which would triple the amount of land the company leases for its mining operations and create a second tailings dam called the Naranjo tailings storage facility Plans estimate that the dam will store 344.7 million tons of tailings and waste rock held back by a wall that is 157 meters tall and 4 kilometers long one of the largest dams of this type in the world six communities will have to be relocated: Arroyo Vuelta Emerman’s found many serious deficiencies: While in the Dominican Republic, Dr. Emerman presented his review to legislators environmental organizers and the communities impacted by the mining project Understanding and analyzing these deficiencies is essential because an EIS should be a tool for the Dominican Government and its citizens to decide whether the project should move forward by assessing its potential benefits how can regulators and the Dominican public make an informed decision about whether to accept the potential risks of this project one of the communities impacted by the current tailings dam we were told that employees for the mine had been going door to door Three attendees told us that company employees had said that if they participated in the meeting they would never be hired to work at the mine a significant threat to young men in an area with few employment opportunities We heard statements like “we can’t take it anymore” and “we are all being threatened.” Despite these tactics the communities around the Pueblo Viejo mine are clear: the expansion project should not move ahead until the 450 families in the six towns next to the Pueblo Viejo mine are relocated to a community where they can live with dignity in a healthy environment Want to show your support for these communities as they struggle for justice? Sign here and add your name Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The city of El Paso held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Pueblo Viejo Park playground and canopy The ceremony was held Wednesday morning at the park near Roseway and Pendale The city is celebrating the completion of the new playground The project development was managed by the Capital Improvement Department RECOMMENDED:Abe Mac Band performs at El Paso elementary schools Pueblo Viejo Park received an upgraded state-of-the-art playground and metal canopy This park is very well attended and the community deserves something like this," said Henry Rivera city council member for District 7 “We as a council that every time there is a new playground this type of canopy will be installed," said Rivera The park improvements include a solar panel lighting system for the playground canopy a new reinforced concrete sidewalk entryway Construction of the playground comes from a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) provided by the Community and Human Development Department The total cost of the project is approximately $535,600 Pueblo Viejo Park is a linear park in the Mission Valley that connects the community Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox Pueblo Viejo Gold Mine is located 100km away from the capital city of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic It is the largest undeveloped gold mine in the world Pueblo Viejo Dominicana Corporation (PVDC) With proven and probable reserves of 25.3 million ounces it is the second largest high sulphidation gold deposit in the world First gold production from the Pueblo Viejo mine commenced in August 2012 Commercial production is anticipated towards the end of 2012 The mine comprises two major oxide deposits known as Monte Negro and Moore and three other small deposits Moore is the largest deposit and is separated from Monte Negro by 500m of barren mud-stones A joint venture named Pueblo Viejo Dominicana Corporation (PVDC) was formed by Barrick Gold and Goldcorp in 2009 to develop the mine Barrick Gold operates the mine and owns a 60% working interest in the property The mine was originally scheduled to commence operations in the first quarter of 2012 but got delayed due to the damage caused to dam tailings by unexpected heavy rains that occurred in the region in May 2011 The capital investment of the project has increased from $2.7bn to about $3.6bn due to the unexpected re-mediation Pueblo Viejo has a mine-life of more than 30 years and is expected to produce over one million ounces of gold per annum The mine had been in production since 1975 It was operated by the state-owned mining company Rosario Dominicana The mine had produced more than five million ounces (moz) of gold and 22moz of silver in its operational life in 1991due to low gold and silver prices and a lack of appropriate technology to process the ore Tenders were invited by Dominican Government in 2001 to continue work at the abandoned mine The project called for site re-mediation and construction of new infrastructure as the existing old systems were damaged The 33-year contract was won by Canada-based Placer Dome which was eventually acquired by Barrick Gold in 2006 Barrick Gold has expanded the mine reserves by more than 75% since the acquisition Barrick Gold carried out the feasibility study and appointed Ruscan Environmental Sciences (Ruscan) of Canada to perform the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) and associated infrastructure studies The sulphide ore deposits are present on the upper part of the volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks The volcanic conglomerates and agglomerates grade upwards to form sand stones and fine grained carbonaceous mud stones These rocks are 120m thick and contain most of the precious metal Pyrite and sphalerite are the main sulphide minerals present at the mine Pyrite constitutes about 10% to 20% of the sulphide mineral About 70% of pyrite is present locally in veins as well as wall rocks Traces of sphalerite account for up to 3% with presence limited only to veins The project is using open-pit mining in stages Mining is initially being carried out at the Monte Negro deposit Stripping will not be required as the ore is present near the surface Thickeners equipped with Hawk’s sonar technology are being used to control the mining operations The thickeners are optimised by controlling the bed level and monitoring other real time settling conditions Use of this technology will reduce the chemical and electricity costs of the project Barrick Gold has ordered eight such systems for a value of A$2.9bn The project also uses Maptek I-Site technology to conduct surveys on various activities taking place at the mine site The survey system keeps track and account of all the activities at the site and saves about 50% of time taken to conduct physical site survey The mined ore is processed using conventional methods such as crushing Pressure oxidation is done through four autoclaves Gold is recovered by oxidising the ore for about 60 to 75 minutes at 230°C and 3,450 kilo pascals the Pueblo Viejo mine has gold reserves of 25.3moz Barrick Gold’s share of annual production in the first five years of operation is expected to be an average of 625,000 to 675,000oz of gold for a total cash cost of $300 to $350 per ounce The project is being financed by a loan of $1.035bn received from a syndicate of banks led by International Finance Corporation The loan is divided into three tranches of $400m which will be disbursed based on the operating completion test The project received $782m of the total loan amount in June 2010 Barrick Gold and Goldcorp have provided loan guarantee in proportion to their working interest in the Pueblo Viejo mine Progress Coffee had to close because of the I-35 expansion project but the team now oversees Cabana Club in East Austin A longtime Austin coffee roasting company closed down its revitalized cafe last June because of the I-35 expansion project, but it will be opening a new pool bar this summer at the same time. Progress Coffee had its last day of service in the Cherrywood neighborhood at 3421 North I-35 on June 29. But then, the team also opened a new swimming pool bar and food truck hub, Cabana Club at 5012 East Seventh Street in the Govalle neighborhood as of June 28 But then, at the same time, the Progress co-owners with other partners opened Cabana Club complete with indoor and outdoor spaces and a swimming pool in East Austin Behind the bar are co-owners Withers and Benson along with fellow co-owners Matthew Napolilli and John Cleaver Cabana Club is meant to work for the daytime-into-nightime activities hours and bar and lounging activities during the p.m There’s an indoor space with tables and bar seats; a patio with shade; and the outdoor pool that is only available to people 21 years and older there are coffee drinks made using Progress beans; cocktails (including an espresso martini made with said-beans); and beer it will have its own breakfast and lunch menus available within the space and via a walk-up window Cabana will also have three food trucks. Already open are taco and ceviche truck La Yenta and Society which serves up an array of New American-ish dishes from sliders The third is a new concept from taco truck mini-chain Pueblo Viejo which will open later (there had been a Pueblo Viejo truck parked at Progress actually too) This isn’t Austin’s only most-recent swimming pool bar. There’s the Swim Club at the revamped Downright Austin hotel which opened in late June under Nickel City co-owner Travis Tober The bar and pool is open for walk-in service only Pueblo Viejo in Spanish means “Old Town.” In the past 19 years The Rodriguez family has opened six locations of their restaurant with that name There is a restaurant in Fort Pierce and three coexist happily in Port St We recently visited the eatery at 1788 S.E The exterior has a huge lighted sign to make sure you don’t miss it Beautiful Mexican pottery and planters provide attractive ornamentation Spanish music playing in the background adds to the fun and cheerful atmosphere bottomless tortilla chips with two different house made salsas: spicy and mild The salsas were the perfect consistency to dip the crispy chips The salsas are made with chopped tomatoes In the case of the spicy version, the chunks of jalapeno were fresh and delicious ceviche and an interesting combination of Mexican goodies called the Pueblo Viejo Platter ($10.95) which would be perfect to share with a crowd we had not incinerated our mouths sufficiently with the spicy salsa so we ordered the Jalapeno Poppers ($7.50) Spicy hot jalapeno chiles are stuffed with cheese Entrees feature the usual Mexican favorites: chimichangas enchiladas and tacos made with ground beef shredded beef (including what is likely not traditional – Philly steak) Signature Dishes and Chef’s Specials on the menu were chile poblanos and Dos Amigos with steak and chicken breast or Tres Amigos which adds shrimp My husband ordered the fajita salad with chicken ($10.25) A light but crispy flour tortilla shell was filled with shredded lettuce Adding a dollop of the spicy salsa finished the dish to his complete and happy satisfaction I ordered the Pueblo Grill Bowl ($13.25) with grilled skirt steak although it also is available with shrimp a slice of avocado and a generous helping of tender so I asked the waiter to return it to the kitchen to make it hot flavorful meat was succulent and tasted like it had been marinated in a perfectly tangy lime but hot rice and meat would have made it better especially topped off by the cool avocado and sour cream nothing but fried ice cream ($5.25) would do Vanilla ice cream was frozen solid then rolled in cinnamon-flavored corn flakes Pueblo Viejo serves it in a crisp tortilla shell with an accent of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce and operated Pueblo Viejo has a winning combination of scrumptious Mexican food at great prices in six strategically located restaurants They speak the good food language of the Treasure Coast Lucie Regensdorf dines anonymously at the expense of TCPalm for #WhatToDoIn772 Contact her at Lucie@theloveofcooking.com or follow @LucieLovesFood on Twitter Online: www.puebloviejofl.com Read more Lucie Regensdorf restaurant reviews: Torchy’s Tacos is selling its queso and diablo sauce at Whole Foods now Austin Venue ShutterEast Austin venue the North Door is now closed permanently on 502 Brushy Street, as announced over its electronic newsletter. Despite the shutter, on-site Mexican restaurant Pueblo Viejo will still remain open “During these very dark times that are decimated one business after another out there,” notes the North Door’s email newsletter “it seems we are not immune to its painful sting It’s been a long road for us over the last decade but it is with a very heavy heart that we must sadly announce that the North Door is permanently closing its doors.” was known for hosting a variety of live events from parties to comedy shows to concerts to television and sports watch parties The newsletter does tease that owners Michelle Patronella and Mark Bradford will reopen something similar to the venue in the feature Austin Queso in Whole FoodsAustin-based chain Torchy’s Tacos is now selling its green chili queso and diablo sauce in retail form. It’ll be found at locations of Whole Foods in Texas The green chile queso comes in an 11.5-ounce jar for $7.99 and the diablo sauce in a 6.7-ounce bottle for $9.99 Checking In with a Campus-Area RestaurantAustin 360 checked in with Dirty Martin’s owner Mark Nemir ahead of the first University of Texas at Austin football game on Saturday The restaurant stayed closed for the first time for the beginning of the football season for the first time in its history Nemir kept the restaurant closed after city and statewide orders in March and hasn’t offered any sort of takeout options during that time He’ll potentially think about reopening the restaurant for dine-in service if the state expands the dining capacity limit to 75 percent He shared how he was potentially going to open the original Stiles Switch on South First with a beer garden but that address became home to Thai restaurant Sway instead how the Belterra Village development company Endeavor reached out to him about opening a restaurant there and why they decided to expand into Cedar Park (“Cedar Park is our customer base,” said Stiles.) Creating Lab-Grown BrisketTexas Monthly spoke to Katie Kam and Janet Zoldan, the co-founders of BioBQ, who are looking to create the world’s first lab-grown brisket Because they are seeking to create brisket from cow cells the intended end result is still “meat-based meat,” as the publication describes wanted to create a product that doesn’t involve the killing of an actual animal Also under the Lombardi umbrella is Italian restaurant chain Taverna which also has a location at the Domain Northside as well The College of the Desert Board of Trustees unanimously approved a five-year lease Thursday for 1,366 square feet of office space on the ground floor of the Pueblo Viejo Villas a mixed-use commercial and residential development at Cesar Chavez and Sixth streets in Coachella "This is a way to ensure that we have our services in the eastern Coachella Valley," said Trustee Rubén AríAztlán Pérez The term of the lease will begin when the college opens a new student services center at the location The college will pay $20,490 in annual rent for the property plus utilities The student services center is intended to approximate the on-campus experience for students taking classes in Coachella Enders said bilingual staff at the Pueblo Viejo Villas office will assist with enrollment services students will have space for studying and participating in small workshops The center’s hours have not been finalized The Pueblo Viejo Villas lease is the latest development in COD’s push to provide more services to students in Coachella In September, the college began a 14-month lease with the City of Coachella for the 3,000-square-foot old library at 1538 Seventh St The city is renting the library to the college for $1 the college will be responsible for making improvements to the library building not exceeding $80,000 by the end of the calendar year readying the facility to host classes for the spring 2022 semester the college will pay for utilities during its lease there and provide janitorial services Related: College of the Desert ‘exploring’ adding campus in City of Coachella Related: Coachella City Council OKs leasing old library to College of the Desert Related: $47M affordable housing development breaks ground in Coachella Enders said the purpose of the student services center is not to replace classroom space in the much larger library but rather to enhance support services for students in Coachella she anticipates the college will be using the student services center long after the library lease expires next year Before voting to approve the library lease Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez and Councilmember Neftali Galarza said Coachella is deserving of a full community college campus The COD main campus is in Palm Desert. Data from 2015 showed that about 10.8% of COD's students came from the City of Coachella, the college reported in its 2016-2021master plan. Students from Indio made up 23.4% of the student body followed by Cathedral City (14.4%) and Palm Desert (12.6%) the COD Board of Trustees in closed session has discussed at least eight specific parcels of land in Coachella several of them on Sixth Street near City Hall.   but we haven’t finalized anything yet," Interim College of the Desert President Jeff Baker told The Desert Sun in June about the Coachella project A document prepared for the board's June 24 meeting listed some prospective academic focus areas for a Coachella facility including business/entrepreneurship; social justice; "culinary makerspace"; licensed vocational nurse to registered nurse training; migrant education; and pre-law question marks have appeared over a planned 29-acre College of the Desert Palm Springs campus on the site of the former Palm Springs Mall at Tahquitz Canyon Way and Farrell Drive That campus is supposed to be home to COD programs in architecture, health care That campus has been slated to be finished in 2025 Baker said this summer: "This whole COVID thing has caused the college to step back to pivot and look at all the plans we have out there," he said. "Palm Springs is one part of that." This report contains previous reporting by Desert Sun staff writers Eliana Perez and James Cutchin Jonathan Horwitz covers education for The Desert Sun Reach him at jonathan.horwitz@desertsun.com or @Writes_Jonathan We were looking for some place different to eat in Palm Desert the other night and thought we'd check out restaurants in the Palms to Pines shopping center — on the back side of El Paseo Suddenly we noticed the lights were on in the old TGI Friday building a family-owned restaurant in Indio (with a second one on Cook Street in Palm Desert we later learned) has taken over this long-shuttered location We'd enjoyed a couple of family get-togethers at Pueblo Viejo in Indio before and knew the food and ambiance were good softball and soccer team parties at the old TGI Friday's so it was kind of déjà vu to step inside this familiar place to find it now polished up and bustling with customers once again Some things were the same: tiered seating from the lower level by windows around the perimeter and third level up to the old-fashioned bar area that oversees the entire restaurant There is still the private dining area behind the bar Dark wood paneling throughout gleams with new polish A circular stained-glass light fixture remains The restaurant is festively decorated with Mexican folk paintings especially as we shared with our waitress our experiences in this place from years past The same family-style Mexican menu is replicated at all three restaurants the creation of brothers Cesar Cruz and Gerardo Benitez a daughter who is the general manager for all three restaurants "So customers who have a favorite dish at the Indio restaurant will be able to get the same at the restaurants in Palm Desert," she said the guys had a tropical chicken fajita with onions which came sizzling hot on cast iron griddles and accompanied by steamed tortillas rolled in foil My combo chicken enchilada was in a spicy red ranchero sauce with chile rellenos oozing with melted cheese to offset the heat My friend's crispy fish tacos were wrapped in soft flour tortillas and garnished with pico de gallo Shrimp tacos are served on corn tortillas as are tacos al carbon served with salsa de arbol and cilantro on the side Popular house specialties are the arroz con pollo (chicken and rice) topped with ranchero sauce and melted cheese; and the carne asada a charbroiled steak paired with a cheese enchilada The Pueblo Viejo tostada salad features a large tortilla shell overflowing with tossed salad A formidable tequila bar offers a variety of reposados and anejos from various regions in Mexico strawberry and peach are served in hand-blown Mexican glasses local craft rotating on tap and favorite Mexican beers are also available had been the lead prep cook for the Red Onion Mexican restaurant chain the brothers opened their first Pueblo Viejo in the old Carillos restaurant in Indio; this April 18 they'll celebrate their 10th anniversary With a combination of family recipes and restaurant favorites Cruz and Benitez developed their own style that has become well-known across the valley The first Palm Desert location opened two and a half years ago in the University Village then a brand new shopping complex across from the university campuses on Cook Street at Gerald Ford "With eight family members working in one restaurant Several cousins are involved with operations and service "The family has plans to expand into Palm Springs in the near future." the El Paseo restaurant has two happy hours from 3 to 6 p.m 105-unit affordable housing development is kicking off in the city of Coachella this month following years of city and state officials cobbling together grant funds to create a mixed-use It's the first project in the Coachella Valley to receive support from California's "cap-and-trade" program, or funds that commercial enterprises spend in order to offset greenhouse gas emissions. The funds are then disbursed by the state for affordable housing and aid to disadvantaged communities. Coachella officials held a virtual press conference Monday to announce that they've broken ground on Pueblo Viejo Villas, located at the northeast intersection of Cesar Chavez and Sixth streets — a step toward realizing long-held plans to create housing as part of downtown planning efforts Around $14 million in cap-and-trade funds were secured last summer capping off a five-year effort to draw from the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program to support development in Coachella the fact that residents that are from lower socioeconomic means will get to enjoy that lifestyle get to enjoy a higher quality of life," said Mayor Steve Hernandez this project represents a large investment and continued investment in our downtown." Pueblo Viejo Villas will include 50 one-bedroom apartments and 55 two- and three-bedroom apartments plus a street-facing commercial component for retail or office space A newly constructed bus hub will also be part of the development Hernandez said the fact that Pueblo Viejo is the first project in the valley to get cap-and-trade funding shows more work is needed to see those funds used locally "I think it's evidence we need to do more to ensure that communities like Coachella have access to these funds," Hernandez said Though many California officials see the need for affordable housing in their communities funding for the Pueblo Viejo Villas shows how many agencies and private sector companies can get involved to make it work chief of climate investment at the California Department of Housing and Community Development praised local officials for finding a way to fund the project.  “Like many communities trying to bring affordable vibrant neighborhoods and reduced environmental impact you’ve managed to arrange a dizzying number of puzzle pieces to make it work,” he said The project's development and future management will be handled by Chelsea Investment Corp. an affordable housing developer that's created more than 11,000 homes it constructed farmworker housing at Cesar Chavez Villas.  Pacific Southwest Community Development Corp. One-bedroom apartments at Pueblo Viejo Villas will rent for $420 to $700 each. Rent for the two- to three-bedroom apartments will range from $440 to $980 Residents of Pueblo Viejo Villas can quality if they earn between 30% and 60% of the area median income which is currently $64,500 annually for a four-person household That means a family of four earning between $19,350 and about $38,700 could qualify as prospective tenants.  10 units will be set aside for developmentally delayed individuals A phone line has been set up for prospective tenants to call about future leasing opportunities at (760) 290-7115 The site development also encompasses a new bus hub directly adjacent to the housing so residents can have reliable transportation with four new busses coming to SunLine Transit Agency to increase frequency along their routes there will be at least 50 spots onsite for bicycle parking Solar panels will be built to provide shade to parking spaces More: Four-story apartment-retail building planned for downtown Indio More: Thermal Beach Club approved with 'unprecedented' promises. Some residents say deal 'neglects' community The project is the first in Coachella to be designated a Net Zero Energy Project which means that it produces as much energy as it uses on an annual basis.  Louise Bedsworth of the California strategic growth council said it’s important to ensure new projects are built with “climate resiliency” in mind such as having ways to protect residents from extreme heat with proper shade and ways to decrease pollution “This project really exemplifies what we’re trying to accomplish,” she said Melissa Daniels covers economic development hospitality and local business in the Coachella Valley Barrick Gold has announced its plans to extend the life of the Pueblo Viejo gold mine in the Dominican Republic beyond 2040 The Pueblo Viejo mine is a joint venture between Barrick Gold (60%) and Newmont Goldcorp (40%) It is located 100km from the capital city of Santo Domingo Barrick noted that it seeks to spend $1.3bn on the proposed expansion of the processing plant and tailings facility at Pueblo Viejo The proposed expansion would increase export potential by an estimated $22bn and generate an extra $4bn in taxes at a gold price of $1,500 per ounce Barrick Gold president and CEO Mark Bristow said: “Our aim is to continue contributing to the social and economic development of the Dominican Republic by applying our sustainability philosophy to create long-term value for all our stakeholders especially the governments and people of our host countries “Without this project mining at Pueblo Viejo would have ceased in the next two years.” The expansion will enable Barrick to exploit the lower grades at the mine Bristow also added that the conversion of Pueblo Viejo’s Quisqueya 1 power plant to natural gas had started operations with potential to lower greenhouse gases (GHG) by 30% and nitrogen oxide by 85% In December last year, Barrick Gold said that the power plant at Pueblo Viejo mine is all set to receive its first natural gas In May of the same year, the company planned to complete a feasibility study on the Pueblo Viejo gold mine expansion by the end of 2020 We Asked words: America can’t get enough tequila. In 2018, sales of tequila grew more than any other spirits category both on- and off-premise, with on-premise volume sales increasing more than 7 percent overall, according to Nielsen CGA the largest tequila export market in the world currently scooping up more than 80 percent of the bottles that leave Mexico To help broaden your (and our) agave horizons VinePair asked bartenders around the country which bottles and brands aren’t getting the love they deserve From top-selling workhorses to the most sustainable labels here are the most underrated tequila brands Keep reading for details about all of the recommended bottles “Tequila Fortaleza which means ‘fortitude,’ is one of the greatest products produced in Jalisco This brand was launched in 2005 but has over 140 years of history Both [its] Blanco and Reposado are on the spicy side compared to tequilas from Los Altos This tequila producer uses a brick oven to cook Those methods make Fortaleza an absolutely authentic and traditional high-quality tequila.” — Slava Borisov “Tapatio Tequila Reposado is the most underrated tequila Any lover of agave should have this in their liquor cabinet It’s great for nightly sipping or as a treat when introducing someone to a fine agave spirit.” — Robert Noyola “Riazul has really surprised me [This] small operation that started back in 2008 has made a little splash here in Colorado this past year The price point makes it easily workable into menu drinks which is something I value.” — Devin Chapnick “Semental is a great product for a great price The añejo has classic markers [of] good blue agave notes and a gentle framing of wood.” — Lucas Huff “Pueblo Viejo a family-owned-and-operated [distillery] and one of the oldest in Jalisco … [It’s] versatile enough to be used in any tequila cocktail and delicious enough to be sipped on its own … If you are looking for a special treat the distillery’s Casa San Matias Tojona line is an entire range of tequilas made the same way the distillery made tequila 130 years ago.” — Jim Kearns “Fortaleza is my favorite for [the] price — it’s just tasty. Another one is Enemigo They’re really setting the bar for good agave and not overly expensive.” — Mikey Belasco “I think Arette tequila is one of the most underrated tequilas on the market and they produce an unbelievable product at a very approachable price point “While Fortaleza is a big name with agave aficionados I am surprised that it is not more well known outside of that group It is by far one of my favorites and is oh-so-very unique in flavor It’s definitely not a bottle that you will find at your average chain restaurant but that just leaves more for those of us that know better.” — Erick Castro “One of the most important topics in the world of tequila production is sustainability and also in the well-being of its natural pollinators David Suro’s lines of Siembra tequilas are not only exceptionally delicious but also focus on sustainable agriculture and properly caring for the farmers and families that produce it “Tears of Llorona is an extra añejo tequila like no other. Its complexity deceives your mind for a minute, making you think it could be Cognac or Scotch Having the product finished in a Scotch barrel really makes this tequila unique.” — Jose De Jesus Medina Camacho “Elvelo is our workhorse that not many people have heard of It was designed by bartenders for bartenders so it has a nice peppery quality and isn’t sweet like some of the more popular brands Great to mix or drink straight.” — Justin Simko “Tapatio Blanco is one of my all-time favorite blanco tequilas on the market, and unfortunately it has not gotten the attention it deserves. Complex and elegant with notes of pepper, cinnamon, cooked agave, and apple. … Smooth enough to drink neat but also great in Tommy’s Margarita!” — Sondre Kasin