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Dominican Republic Halts $5 Billion Gold Mine Project Amid Protests
Gold Mining Project Suspended
Dominican President Luis Abinader has suspended a major Canadian-backed gold mining project following large protests. Demonstrators voiced concerns that the project could harm water sources and farmland in the country's agricultural south. Abinader stated that continuing a project overwhelmingly rejected by the population is not viable. He clarified that the initiative had only been in the environmental assessment phase, with no authorization for exploitation.
Environmental Concerns Trigger Protests
The proposed mine, located in the Cordillera Central mountain range, aimed to extract gold, copper, and silver from reserves estimated at 1.1 million ounces, valued at nearly $5 billion. Local residents feared contamination of rivers, farmland, and the Sabana Yeta Dam, which supplies irrigation water to over 30,000 hectares of crops and generates hydroelectric power. Hundreds of protesters marched through the southern province of San Juan de la Maguana over the weekend, demanding the government halt plans for gold extraction. Riot police deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. Protesters highlighted that mining operations are not permitted above 500 meters in elevation, and the proposed mine is located at 1,500 meters above sea level, just 50 meters from the Laguama and San Juan rivers.
Mining's Economic Role and Renewed Debate
Mining remains a significant sector for the Dominican economy, with gold serving as the country's top export. The industry contributes approximately 2% of the national GDP. This latest controversy has revived broader concerns linked to other mining operations in the Dominican Republic, including complaints of environmental damage and forced relocations near another Canadian-run project.
*Source: YouTube: WION (2026-05-07)*
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