Report on blasting effects in Pomier Caves unveiled

Santo Domingo.- The mining company DOCALSA, in collaboration with the Mining and Petroleum Chamber of the Dominican Republic, hosted Dr. Nathan Rouse, an international expert in mining and explosives engineering, to present findings on the impact of blasting activities near the Pomier Caves. The report, prepared by Thoroughbred Drill and Blast Consultants, analyzed seismic data and concluded that DOCALSA’s quarry operations do not generate vibrations strong enough to damage the caves. Instead, natural events like earthquakes and unrelated human activities are more likely to have affected the structures.

Dr. Rouse compared vibration levels from DOCALSA’s operations to international standards for cave protection and found that none exceeded permissible limits. The nearest cavern to the mining permit boundary is 388 meters away, further confirming no risk to the caves. Additionally, DOCALSA’s long-term blast monitoring program has shown vibration levels too low to trigger seismographs, reinforcing the study’s conclusions.

The report recommends continued vibration monitoring involving all stakeholders—DOCALSA, regulators, the community, and independent experts—to ensure the ongoing protection of the cave system. Periodic visual inspections are also advised to complement technical data. The findings were presented to industry and government officials, emphasizing the importance of scientific assessment in balancing mining activities with environmental conservation.