Spanish
The Executive Director of the Export and Investment Center of the Dominican Republic (ProDominicana), Biviana Riveiro, participated in the annual mining convention of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC 2026), the most important mining event in the world, with the aim of promoting new investment, financing, and technical cooperation opportunities for the Dominican mining sector.
The official mission was led by the Minister of Energy and Mines, Joel Santos, and comprised representatives from various institutions in the public, private, and academic spheres, consolidating a joint effort to position the Dominican Republic as a competitive destination for mining investment.
Within the framework of the convention, Riveiro participated in conferences where the global perspectives of the industry and the strategic priorities of the Canadian mining sector were presented. Likewise, together with the Ministry of Energy and Mines, he presented the growth, trade, and investment outlook of the Dominican Republic during the Global Opportunities Roundtable, a space that allowed for the exchange of views on the country's geological potential and the opportunities for project expansion at the national level.
As part of the agenda, a symbolic event was held that highlighted the geological richness and Dominican identity: the donation of larimar pieces to the central division of the Geological Research Center of Canada of the Canadian Museum of Nature, a gesture that highlights the cultural, scientific and economic value of this semi-precious stone unique in the world.
During the mission, the delegation held a meeting with the Mining Suppliers Trade Association of Canada (MSTA), focused on strengthening the integration of Canadian suppliers into the Dominican mining ecosystem, promoting innovation, sustainability, and new export opportunities under international standards.
Furthermore, a meeting was held with the Mining Association of Canada (MAC), which included a dialogue with its President and CEO, Pierre Gratton, to explore opportunities for technical collaboration within the framework of the Towards Sustainable Mining program, an initiative that promotes international standards of sustainability, transparency, and governance in the extractive industry.
The delegation also held a meeting with Global Affairs Canada, specifically with the Assistant Deputy Minister for the Americas (Hemispheric Affairs), where, along with Minister Joel Santos, perspectives on bilateral cooperation and the strengthening of the economic relationship between both countries were exchanged.
The mission also included strategic meetings with executives from companies and institutions linked to the industry, with the aim of promoting investment opportunities in the Dominican Republic and strengthening business ties in strategic areas.
As part of the official activities, a Dominican Night was also held, organized by the Mining and Petroleum Chamber of the Dominican Republic together with Canadian mining companies and actors linked to the sector. This space allowed for the consolidation of alliances, the promotion of public-private dialogue, and the reaffirmation of the country's commitment to modern, transparent, and sustainable mining.
Mining exports
The Dominican mining sector reached a historic record in 2025 with exports exceeding US$2.59 billion, representing a 52% growth compared to 2024. These exports accounted for more than 18% of the total goods exported by the country, driven mainly by gold, silver, and other minerals.
Regarding bilateral trade, Dominican exports to Canada exceeded US$757 million, of which around 90% corresponded to mining products, while the remaining 10% included products such as tobacco, rum, medical devices, fresh vegetables, among other products. In terms of investment, the sector captured more than US$337 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2025, representing an increase of 776% compared to the previous year, according to data from the Central Bank, consolidating the country's attractiveness for international capital and its contribution to job creation, foreign currency and knowledge transfer. Canadian investment stands out particularly, reaching US$427.9 million between January and September 2025. Cumulatively, between 2019 and 2025, Canada's investment in the Dominican Republic amounted to US$2,000 million, positioning itself as the third-largest investor in the nation, with a 10.5% share of the total FDI received last year, especially in the mining and free trade zone sectors. Regarding larimar, in 2025 the Dominican Republic exported more than 291,340 pounds, more than triple the 85,480 pounds exported in 2024. Approximately 50% of the extracted larimar was processed locally into finished or semi-finished jewelry products, contributing to the generation of greater added value in the national economy. "Our participation in PDAC 2026 is a golden opportunity to project the capabilities of the Dominican mining sector, promote strategic partnerships, and attract investments that contribute to employment, innovation, sustainability, and best practices," said Riveiro.
