DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

A coalition of 70 communities in the central Cordillera Septentrional mountain range has launched an organized protest against a mining exploration plan proposed by the Ministry of Energy and Mines, warning that the project threatens to destroy vital natural resources, agricultural lands, and the livelihoods of thousands of families.

The communities estimate the project could potentially impact over 142,000 tareas (approximately 8,930 hectares or 22,070 acres) and a critical water network essential to the Cibao region.

In a document shared by local priest Father Ramón Ramos (Padre Nino), community leaders detail their grave environmental and rights concerns. They allege that the Ministry has already explored more than 70 potential gold extraction sites without any public consultation, a move they denounce as a clear violation of their...