"The expansion project has the potential to allow Pueblo Viejo to convert approximately 9 million ounces 1 of measured and indicated resources to proven and probable reserves," says Barrick president and chief executive Mark Bristow. "At Barrick we have a commitment to responsible mining and transparency, so we welcome such initiatives. From 2013 to July 2021, Barrick Pueblo Viejo has paid more than $2.9 billion in direct and indirect taxes and last year its exports accounted for 37% of the total national asset exports 2. Barrick has also started work on a local agribusiness development which will be integrated into the tailings facility and create a further benefit for the community," he said. Bristow said that with the expansion project, Pueblo Viejo's total economic contribution to the Dominican government in direct and indirect taxes is expected to be over $9 billion from the beginning of commercial production in 2013 through the extended life of mine beyond 2040 3.