Energy and Mines Minister Pelegrin Castillo says that mining should not go ahead in Loma Miranda unless high-level, credible studies prove that it is feasible. He said that President Danilo Medina is very clear about this.
Castillo said that for any mining to go ahead, a social license to operate (SCO) is needed. Social license refers to the level of acceptance or approval by local communities and stakeholders of mining companies and their operations. To obtain SLO, mining companies must develop good relationships with all stakeholders.
“The problem with the social license needs to be resolved, not only in the case of Loma Miranda. In any part of the national territory mining has to be carried out with the highest standards and the role of the state is to guarantee to the public that its non-renewable resources will be extracted with a high level of responsibility, balance and respect for the environment,” said the minister, as reported in Listin Diario.
http://www.listin.com.do/economia-and-negocios/2014/
http://www.listin.com.do/economia-and-negocios/2014/9/4/336412/Loma-Miranda-no-puede-ser-explotada
http://www.miningfacts.org/Communities/What-is-the-social-licence-to-operate/