Santiago.- The community movement “United We Are More” organized a large march in Santiago on Wednesday to reject alleged mining projects in the Northern Mountain Range (Cordillera Septentrional). The caravan-style protest began in Canabacoa, continued along part of the Duarte Highway, and concluded at the Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration. Speaking during the march, Father Nino Ramos warned that mining threatens rural livelihoods through environmental destruction, water contamination, deforestation, and community displacement, stressing that the demonstration represents a firm rejection of mining in the region. The protest was supported by priests, environmental organizations, neighborhood associations, and agricultural groups, and was carried out in solidarity with communities in San Juan de la Maguana and Restauración, which face similar concerns. While protesters insist that mining poses a threat to the area, President Luis Abinader denied the existence of any mining contracts or plans in the Northern Mountain Range.