DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

Environmental advocates and legal experts are calling on the Ministry of Energy and Mines to immediately revoke a mining exploration permit in the Cordillera Septentrional, on the north and northcentral side of the country, alleging the concession violates national laws governing protected areas.

The demand comes as social organizations prepare for a major protest march Wednesday, 28 January 2026 across the northern region to reject potential gold, silver, and copper extraction in the mountain range shared by the Santiago and Puerto Plata provinces.

While the Ministry of Energy and Mines maintains that current activities are strictly exploratory, critics argue the distinction is a formality. “Nobody invests money searching for gold, silver, and copper without the intention to exploit it if sufficient quantities are found,” said environmental lawyer Euren Cuevas.

Environmentalist Luis...