Dominican Republic court halts Xstrata Nickel mine

LA VEGA, Dominican Republic.- A La Vega court yesterday ruled for an appeal filed by the Padre Rogelio Foundation against the exploitation of Loma Miranda by the mining company Xstrata Nickel Falcondo.

La Vega Province 3rd Judicial District presiding judge Algeria Garcia ordered the company to stop mining Loma Miranda, and allow the population’s unhindered access to the natural resource.

The appeal filed by the Padre Rogelio Foundation against Xstrata notes that the company doesn’t have any environmental permits to operate in that area.

The judge also set a penalty of RD$300,000 per day, if the company fails to comply with the court order. The court said Loma Miranda’s exploitation would cause serious damage to the area’s environment, agriculture and livestock.

Xstrata spokesperson Luis Rosado said they’ll appeal the ruling in the coming hours. "The court cannot also ask Falcondo to open the door to the public to what’s private property."