More trouble brewing for Barrick Gold

The new City Council of Cotui, in it�s first decision, has granted full powers to the Mayor, Rafael Molina Lluberes to act in all legal ways against the mining company Barrick Gold, in defense of the heritage of the province of Sanchez Ramirez , the preservation of natural resources, payment of damages caused by the exploitation of mineral deposits and the revision of the concession contract granted by the state .

The Board of Aldermen of the City Council in its resolution 001, demand responsibility for environmental protection and the payment of municipal taxes from the mining company, Barrick Gold.

Also, Molina Lluberes has been authorized to require the company to adhere to its contract requiring a proportion of jobs be given to the inhabitants of the province S�nchez Ram�rez.

The council also empowered the municipal executive to manage the payment of 5 % of net profits since the beginning of Barrick Gold�s operations in the area. Under Environment and Natural Resources law 64-00, this must be paid directly to municipalities where mineral exploitation is carried out.

Council members also authorized the Mayor to integrate the municipalities and municipal districts of the province S�nchez Ram�rez for the purpose of appointing attorneys to represent the heritage of the province and other communities outside the jurisdiction that could be affected by pollution from mining .

The council resolution was passed unanimously.