Dominga concludes successful round of community meetings in La Higuera to present the “+Dominga” program

Dominga held a series of regional meetings in various locations in La Higuera, open to the entire community, to reaffirm its commitment to the region and present its “+ Dominga” program. This initiative brings together the measures included in the Environmental Qualification Resolution (RCA), which will be implemented once final approval is granted.

The meetings — held in La Higuera, El Llano, Chungungo, Punta Colorada, El Trapiche, and Caleta Hornos — drew participation from thousands of residents, who showed strong interest and enthusiasm to be part of the project’s benefits. Some expressed a desire to become direct collaborators, others to serve as suppliers, while most were eager about the sustainable development opportunities it could bring to the commune.
During the sessions, led by Andes Iron’s senior executives, a summary was presented highlighting the company’s contributions to La Higuera since 2013, the year the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was submitted. Among the most notable efforts are the allocation of social and entrepreneurship funds across several localities, the awarding of 400 scholarships for secondary and higher education to support youth development, and financial support provided to seven communities for the maintenance and expansion of rural drinking water systems (APRs) — all critical needs in a commune heavily affected by limited job opportunities and prolonged drought.

“We have known La Higuera for over ten years, and we are part of both its present and its future. We want to assure local residents and authorities that our commitment is to continue working together toward the sustainable development of the commune,” said Francisco Villalón, Corporate Affairs and Sustainable Development Manager at Andes Iron.

“La Higuera and the Coquimbo Region can’t keep waiting, Dominga is our great opportunity to improve our quality of life. That’s why we are very hopeful that the project can begin construction as soon as possible,” stated Oscar Miranda, president of the La Higuera neighborhood council.
As part of the community meetings, Dominga also presented an update on the ongoing legal process, emphasizing its intent to start work as soon as possible. The company is currently awaiting a ruling from the First Environmental Court of Antofagasta regarding the legitimacy of the decision made by the Committee of Ministers, which earlier this year rejected the project, contravening the provisions of the highest environmental court.