Plizio Visual Lab

Barrick Gold Mine Pueblo Viejo

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The Barrick Gold Mine Pueblo Viejo in the Sánchez Ramírez province is one of the largest gold mines in the world. It is located approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Santo Domingo. Originally, the site was operated by the state-owned company Rosario Dominicana before being reopened by Barrick Gold and Newmont in 2012 after a long period of inactivity. The mine is a major joint venture and represents the largest single investment in the history of the Dominican Republic. Using state-of-the-art autoclave technology, gold and silver are extracted from complex sulfide ores. Economically, Pueblo Viejo is of immense importance, as the royalties and taxes from the mine account for a significant portion of state revenues. The project has also contributed to the development of local infrastructure and the creation of thousands of jobs, though it remains under constant scrutiny regarding its environmental impact and sustainability strategies.

Location: Dominican Republic
Nearby: Las Guáranas (9 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	24	24	25	26	27	28	28	28	28	27	26	25
Rain mm	35	25	29	41	62	39	50	55	56	54	71	50

📋 Practical info

🏭

What is this place?

The Barrick Gold Mine Pueblo Viejo is one of the largest gold mines in the world and a major economic driver for the Dominican Republic. It operates open-pit mining and significantly contributes to exports and state revenues.

🚪

Visiting

The mine is a high-security site and not open to the public. Tours are not allowed, but the facility can be seen from a distance from surrounding roads.

👀

Where to view it

The best viewpoint is from the hills around the mine, such as the road to Cotuí. From there, a distant view of the open pit and processing plants is possible.

🧺

Local products

In nearby towns like Cotuí, local handicrafts and agricultural products such as coffee and cocoa are sold. Direct products from the mine are not available for purchase.

📆

Active season

The mine operates around the clock in shifts throughout the year. Production is continuous, with possible maintenance periods, but the facility is always active.

➕

Nearby

Combine a trip to the mine with a visit to Cotuí town and Hatillo Dam. Nearby Los Haitises National Park also provides an impressive natural backdrop.