Gold Mine Halted After Big Protest

The president of the Dominican Republic stopped work on a new gold and copper mine after many people marched to show their worries. The mining plan, called the Romero Project, is being built by a Canadian firm in San Juan province. Workers and locals were afraid that the mine could harm water supplies, especially the Sabaneta Dam that feeds the area. The protest began on Sunday and stretched about 20 kilometres to reach the dam. Teachers, doctors, engineers, farmers and even taxi drivers joined the march. They demanded that the government listen to their concerns about pollution and land damage.When asked, the mining company said it would use safer methods and promised benefits for the community. But no permit has been issued yet, so the project is still only being reviewed for its environmental impact. The president said that when people voice fears, the government must act carefully and openly. He also mentioned that the mining project has not moved beyond the assessment stage under his leadership. The country already hosts Latin America’s biggest gold mine, Pueblo Viejo, owned mainly by another Canadian company. The new halt shows that local voices can influence big economic plans.