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The Dominican Republic government has halted a proposed mining project by Canadian firm GoldQuest following protests over its potential environmental impact.
President Luis Abinader announced the suspension on Monday, a day after hundreds of demonstrators opposed the project in the Cordillera Central region, citing concerns about possible damage to soil and water resources.
The project, located near San Juan province, aims to extract gold, copper and silver from deposits estimated at 1.1 million ounces and valued at about $5 billion, according to GoldQuest.
Abinader said the decision was made in response to public concerns, noting that authorities have a responsibility to act with caution and openness when such issues arise.
He added that all activities linked to the project had been immediately suspended.
“When citizens express concerns and worries, our duty is to act with prudence and transparency, which is why I have ordered the immediate suspension of any activity related to the project,” Abinader said on his WhatsApp channel.
He also clarified that the initiative remained at the environmental assessment stage and had not received formal approval.
“The initiative has only been in the environmental assessment phase, and there is no authorisation whatsoever.
“My commitment is to the country, to its people, and to its future,” he said.
Protests on Sunday were reported in several parts of San Juan and in Sabaneta, where clashes with security forces led to injuries among police officers after tear gas was used to disperse demonstrators.
The area is largely agricultural, supporting thousands of residents, while Sabana Grande hosts a major dam that supplies water to extensive farmland.
Mining plays a modest but significant role in the Dominican Republic’s economy, accounting for about two per cent of its gross domestic product, with gold as the country’s leading export.
