A Canadian gold mine in the Dominican Republic is facing significant backlash from local communities, who assert that mining operations have adversely affected their water supply, health, and livelihoods. The situation is compounded by a proposed new mine near the Haitian border, raising concerns about potential environmental impacts that could extend to neighboring communities.
This week, leaders from both the Dominican Republic and Haiti are meeting with Canadian officials in Ottawa to voice these issues and seek governmental intervention regarding Canadian mining investments abroad.
The Pueblo Viejo gold mine, managed by Barrick Gold in partnership with Newmont, has been in operation since 2012 and is the largest open-pit gold mine in Latin America. The mine has generated significant economic benefits, contributing record mineral exports of $2.59 billion in 2025, nearly 20% of the Dominican Republic’s total merchandise exports. However, communities downstream have reported serious environmental and health issues, including water contamination, air pollution, and damage to agriculture.
Residents have experienced various health problems, such as skin lesions and respiratory issues, attributed to the mine. More than 150 individuals reportedly have skin conditions, and blood tests have indicated elevated levels of harmful metals. Approximately 450 families have requested relocation due to repeated health and environmental concerns, relying on bottled water since 2011.
Despite these challenges, Barrick is proceeding with plans for a major expansion of the mine, which includes a new tailings storage facility that is expected to require the resettlement of six rural communities. This has raised further worries about water contamination and dam safety. Community organizers like Leoncia Ramos have voiced concerns about the expansion’s safety protocols, highlighting the risks of potential fatalities if current operations are not managed properly.
In August 2026, residents formally complained to the London Bullion Market Association, alleging environmental harm and human rights violations tied to the mine’s operations and seeking to determine if gold sourced from Pueblo Viejo adheres to responsible sourcing standards.
In a related development, Toronto-based Unigold is seeking permits to develop the Neita gold project in the Dominican Republic’s Dajabón province, close to the Haitian border. Haitian organizations fear that this project could jeopardize shared water resources, threatening local agriculture and drinking water quality.
Local activists are advocating for proper environmental assessments, urging that the concerns of Haitian communities be taken into account before any development progresses. “Mining operations only a few miles away in the Dominican Republic will only further deplete the region’s precarious water supply,” said Dr. Ary Régis, a member of the Groupe d’Action Francophone pour l’Environnement in Haiti.
Canada has been strengthening its ties with Caribbean nations, focusing on security and economic opportunities, yet the expansion of mining projects continues to raise concerns about environmental and social repercussions. Activists highlight a conflict between Canada’s commercial interests and the well-being of impacted communities.
This October, the visiting delegation from the Dominican Republic and Haiti aims to bring their message to Canadian lawmakers, emphasizing the need for accountability in Canadian mining practices. Their efforts seek to address ongoing issues while also preventing future harm as new projects are considered.
