Dominican Republic Halts GoldQuest Mining Project Amid Environmental Protests

The Dominican Republic has ordered the suspension of all activities tied to GoldQuest Mining’s proposed gold and copper development, following large-scale protests driven by environmental concerns. President Luis Abinader announced the decision after thousands of residents marched in San Juan province, voicing fears about the potential ecological impact of the Romero Project.

The project, led by Canadian firm GoldQuest Mining, has been under environmental review for years and has yet to receive full exploitation permits. Despite the company’s assurances about responsible mining practices and long-term economic benefits, local communities remain worried about water contamination, soil degradation, and damage to agricultural livelihoods.

Protesters recently walked nearly 20 kilometers to the Sabaneta Dam, a critical water source in the region, highlighting the urgency of their concerns. Environmental activists and community leaders argue that mining operations could threaten rivers and farmland that sustain thousands of residents. Ruben Moreta, a prominent advocate for water protection, emphasized that demonstrations will persist if environmental risks are not addressed transparently.

President Abinader stressed that public concern must be taken seriously, stating that the government’s responsibility is to act cautiously and ensure transparency in decision-making. He reiterated that the mining initiative remains in the environmental assessment phase, signaling that no final approval has been granted.

This development reflects a broader trend across Latin America, where governments are increasingly challenged to balance economic growth from mining investments with environmental protection. While countries like Argentina have moved to expand mining access, others such as Panama have faced backlash leading to mine closures due to environmental and social concerns.

The Dominican Republic already hosts one of the region’s largest gold operations, Pueblo Viejo, operated by Barrick Gold. However, even this project has sparked controversy over land displacement and environmental risks, reinforcing public skepticism toward new mining ventures.

GoldQuest has yet to respond publicly to the suspension order, leaving the future of the Romero Project uncertain as environmental scrutiny intensifies.