The Dominican Government on Wednesday halted another precious metal shipment by Barrick Gold, just hours after offering the Canadian based minor a �final deal� to amend the contract for the mine at Pueblo Viejo.

The Customs Agency instructed its Punta Caucedo Port office at Las Americas Airport (AILA) to retain Barrick�s gold cargos until it reaches a new agreement with the Government.

The information was provided Wednesday morning at Las Americas, from where a detailed report was sent to president Danilo Medina on Tuesday, after inspections conducted on Barrick�s exports found alleged irregularities.

The Government reportedly instructed Customs to slap the mining company with more than US$96.0 million in fines for its dor� shipments.