The president of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, announced on Monday the suspension of a mining project proposed by the Canadian company GoldQuest. This decision followed a large protest on Sunday, where hundreds of demonstrators voiced their fears about the potential environmental damage the extraction process could cause.
Project Details and Environmental Concerns
The project aimed to extract gold, copper, and silver from a reserve estimated at 1.1 million ounces, valued at approximately $5 billion according to GoldQuest. The proposed site was located in the Cordillera Central mountain range, far from tourist areas and near the southern province of San Juan, where the local economy relies heavily on agriculture and supports 143,000 residents.
Protesters raised concerns that the mining activities would harm soil and water quality. The area includes Sabaneta, home to the province's main dam, which supplies water to over 30,000 hectares (74,000 acres) of farmland.
Government Response and Actions
President Abinader stated on his WhatsApp channel, "When citizens express concerns and worries, our duty is to act with prudence and transparency, which is why I have ordered the immediate suspension of any activity related to the project." He emphasized that the initiative was only in the environmental assessment phase and had no authorization. "My commitment is to the country, to its people, and to its future," he added.
Although the project lacked the necessary permit, GoldQuest had previously praised the Dominican government's commitment to advancing the project on its website.
Protest Clashes and Economic Context
The protests on Sunday took place in various areas of San Juan and Sabaneta. Security forces used tear gas to disperse the crowds, and four officers reported injuries from clashes with demonstrators.
Gold is the Dominican Republic's main export, and mining contributes about 2 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Despite this economic significance, the government prioritized environmental and public concerns in its decision to suspend the project.
