Strong Rejection of Dominga Project: Nationwide March Calls for Environmental Protection of the Humboldt Archipelago

Original article: Categórico rechazo a Dominga en las calles: En marcha por el medio ambiente exigen al Gobierno proteger el Archipiélago de Humboldt

From the Streets, a New Appeal to the Government: Reject Dominga and Prioritize Science Over Corruption

Greenpeace participated in the national march «No to Dominga» this Saturday, which gathered environmental organizations, communities, and citizens across the country to express opposition to the Andes Iron mining-port project and demand the protection of the Humboldt Archipelago, one of Chile’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems.

The mobilization occurred during a particularly sensitive time for the project’s future: despite being rejected three times and facing numerous controversies, including ongoing judicial investigations into alleged corruption that raise serious questions about the legitimacy of any approval decision, the current government’s Committee of Ministers may still approve it.

«The project’s owner has attempted to overturn the various rejections in court and surprisingly decided to change this strategy a few weeks ago, withdrawing all legal appeals and banking solely on administrative approval. However, given its history, it raises serious ethical concerns that the Executive would even consider reopening the door to Dominga, inevitably questioning its integrity and the credibility of state institutions,» warned Roxana Núñez, a lawyer for Greenpeace Chile.

La Higuera Communities Demand to Be Heard

The national mobilization was preceded by an action from local communities. On Thursday, October 29, representatives from artisanal fishing, tourism, agriculture, rural drinking water systems, Chango communities, and social organizations from La Higuera sent an open letter to President José Antonio Kast, expressing concerns over a potential «secretarial» approval of Dominga.

The letter, supported by more than 30 organizations and local representatives, demanded that any decision respects pending environmental, administrative, and judicial processes. They also requested a dialogue opportunity with the president and invited him to directly see the productive activities and development proposals they have promoted over the years, related to artisanal fishing, nature tourism, and other activities compatible with the conservation of the Humboldt Archipelago.

Greenpeace highlighted the communities’ persistence in defending their territory and warned that any attempt to overturn environmental rejections through an executive decision would constitute a major blow to trust in institutional integrity.

«The Government cannot afford to ‘pardon’ Dominga at this moment. If, after three environmental rejections and amid investigations for alleged corruption, the project is greenlit, officials will have to explain what has changed and what grounds that decision rests on. Legal certainty doesn’t mean seeking new chances until approval is granted, but also recognizing a ‘no’. Chile needs independent and transparent institutions, not decisions that deepen public distrust,» emphasized Matías Asun, executive director of Greenpeace Chile.