标签： Dominican Republic

In a dramatic turn of events, all 80 miners trapped underground following a landslide at the Cerro de Maimón mining project, operated by the Dominican Mining Corporation (Cormidom), have been successfully rescued. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning in a tunnel where copper and zinc extraction takes place. Despite the initial isolation of the workers, there were no reported injuries or communication disruptions during the ordeal. The first group of miners emerged from the site at 3:21 p.m., with the final group exiting by 4:30 p.m. on the same day. Cormidom has assured that a comprehensive investigation will be conducted to ascertain the cause of the landslide once the stability of the rock massif is confirmed. The company also pledged to implement necessary corrective measures to prevent future occurrences. This incident highlights the inherent risks in mining operations and the importance of stringent safety protocols.

In response to concerns over waste accumulation in the Yaque del Norte River, Cilpen Global has clarified that the circulating images depict the ‘Blue Barrier,’ a cutting-edge containment system installed in Santiago de los Caballeros in March 2024. This innovative solution is designed to intercept plastics and floating debris before they contaminate irrigation canals or reach the Caribbean Sea, while simultaneously raising public awareness about environmental pollution. The system employs a submersible belt to transport collected waste to containers, which are subsequently processed at Cilpen Global facilities for sorting, recycling, and proper disposal. Since its deployment, the Blue Barrier has successfully captured over 290,100 kilograms of waste, with 55% being plastic. Notably, more than 30,000 kilograms were removed in recent weeks alone. The initiative is part of the PROMAR project, a collaborative effort led by Parley for the Oceans in partnership with CORAASAN, INDHRI, and Cilpen Global. These organizations are continuously enhancing the system’s efficiency and expanding collection efforts. Cilpen Global stressed that the presence of waste does not signify system failure but rather highlights the alarming volume of improperly discarded materials. The company has called on citizens to adopt responsible waste disposal practices and refrain from dumping trash into rivers.

In response to the severe weather conditions brought by Tropical Storm Melissa, Dominican authorities have declared a red alert across several provinces. The affected regions include Greater Santo Domingo, encompassing the National District, as well as San Cristóbal, Peravia, Azua, Barahona, Pedernales, San José de Ocoa, and San Juan de la Maguana. The storm has unleashed torrential rains, raising concerns over potential flooding and other related hazards. As a preventive measure, educational institutions in the impacted areas have suspended classes, and government employees have been instructed to conclude their workday by 1:00 p.m. Officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to the directives issued by emergency and civil defense agencies to ensure safety and minimize risks during this critical period.

Maimón, Dominican Republic – A significant incident unfolded at the Cerro de Maimón mine on Tuesday afternoon, where 80 workers were trapped following a structural collapse. The mine, operated by the Dominican Mining Corporation (Cormidom), is located in Monseñor Nouel province. As of 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, no injuries had been reported, and rescue operations were swiftly initiated to ensure the safety of those affected. Cormidom confirmed that communication had been established with the trapped workers, who were reported to be in good health and safe. Specialized technical and rescue teams are currently focused on stabilizing the affected area to facilitate the safe extraction of the workers. The company emphasized its collaboration with relevant authorities and adherence to established emergency protocols. Cormidom also pledged to maintain transparent communication, providing regular updates as the situation progresses.

Santo Domingo – In a proactive move to address the looming threat of Tropical Storm Melissa, Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza convened a high-level meeting on Tuesday with the Emergency Operations Center (COE) and other key government agencies. The session aimed to synchronize preventive strategies and ensure a cohesive response to the storm’s potential impacts, which are already affecting weather patterns across the Dominican Republic. The meeting underscored the importance of reviewing contingency plans and maintaining readiness for any escalation in the storm’s intensity. Paliza emphasized that while the storm’s trajectory remains uncertain, the government must prepare for all eventualities. The coordinated plans from each institution are set to be presented to President Luis Abinader later in the day, who may implement special measures based on the storm’s progression. Following the discussions, the COE elevated the alert level to yellow for 14 provinces, including Santo Domingo, the National District, La Vega, San Cristóbal, and Barahona, while eight others remain on green alert. The National Meteorology Institute (INDOMET) has predicted up to 300 millimeters of rainfall in the coming hours, raising concerns about potential flooding and landslides. Authorities have urged residents, particularly those in southern coastal areas, to stay updated through official channels and adhere to safety guidelines. Government institutions remain on high alert to protect lives and property as the situation unfolds.