Rural communities rally against Canadian mine over environmental risks

Last updated: May 04, 2026 | 04:59

Demonstrators attend a rally against a Canadian mining project at the Quimsacocha moorlands in Cuenca, Ecuador on September 16, 2025. AFP-GALO PAGUAY

Hundreds demonstrated in the Dominican Republic on Sunday to protest Canadian company GoldQuest's proposed mining project.

The so-called Romero project aims to extract deposits of gold, copper and silver from a reserve of 1.1 million ounces, valued at around $5 billion, according to GoldQuest.

The project would be located in Central Cordillera, far from tourist areas, near the southern province of San Juan where the agriculture-based economy supports 143,000 residents.

Although the project still does not have the necessary permit, GoldQuest hails the Dominican government's "commitment" to moving forward with the project on its website.

"Water yes, gold no!" protesters chanted as they carried Dominican flags during a march to Sabaneta, home to the…