Dominican Republic reinforces anti-illegal mining operation in Montecristi

The Dominican Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, in coordination with the National Environmental Protection Service (SENPA), has reinforced surveillance and control operations to combat illegal extraction of aggregates in the rivers of Montecristi province. The operation focuses on the El Pocito sector in Guayubín municipality, where patrolling and inspections have been intensified.

Operation details

The operation includes patrols and inspections in previously identified points, as well as expansion of the supervision perimeter to strengthen monitoring and detect activities that violate the General Law on Environment and Natural Resources No. 64-00 Source: diariolibree. The Ministry stated that the operations will continue as part of permanent vigilance and enforcement actions together with SENPA to protect natural resources and prevent environmental crimes Source: hoydo.

The Ministry reiterated that extraction of aggregates without proper authorization constitutes a violation of current environmental legislation, and warned that any person engaging in this practice will face legal action. La institución reiteró que la extracción de agregados sin las autorizaciones correspondientes constituye una violación a la legislación ambiental vigente Source: hoydo.

Policy context

Since the beginning of the administration of Minister Paíno Henríquez, the Ministry has maintained a zero-tolerance policy against environmental crimes and continuously strengthens vigilance, control, and enforcement efforts nationwide to guarantee the protection of the Dominican Republic's natural heritage Source: hoydo. No specific arrests or seizures have been reported yet, but the presence has been increased.