A broad coalition of social, educational, religious, and community groups has mobilized in strong opposition to a proposed mining project in San Juan de la Maguana, warning that the initiative poses a severe threat to the region’s natural resources and agricultural livelihood, N Digital reports. The protestors reject the installation of mining ventures in the Central Mountain Range.
Among the most prominent voices is environmental activist Fidelio Despradel, who denounced the project as “unacceptable” in a region considered vital to the country’s agricultural output.
“This is an agricultural area, one of the richest in the Dominican Republic,” said Despradel during a rally with local residents. “A mining operation won’t just pollute the water—it will disrupt the supply needed for the San Juan Valley to continue feeding the Dominican people.”
Also speaking out was Francis Ramírez, local representative of the Dominican Teachers’ Association (ADP) in San Juan Este. Alongside Despradel, he urged President Luis Abinader to honor his campaign promise not to support environmental degradation through extractive projects.
Protesters have rallied under the slogan “We don’t want gold, we want water”, reflecting deep concern over the potential impact of mining on vital water sources in a region essential to agriculture in the Dominican south.
From the religious sector, Father Santos Cabral Luciano, representing the Catholic Church, offered his full support to the environmental cause, emphasizing the moral responsibility to protect land and water for future generations.
The Romero Project is a resource development gold and copper project owned 100% by GoldQuest Mining Corporation (GoldQuest) and is located within the Tireo property (3,997ha) of the Central Mountain Range of the Dominican Republic impacting the San Juan de la Maguana province. The project consists of the Romero and Romero South deposits with thick intervals of gold and copper mineralization.
14 July 2025