Spanish
The Dominican mining sector continues to consolidate as one of the pillars of the national economy. Between January and July 2025, collections from the exploitation of mines and quarries amounted to more than RD$20 billion, which leads us to an estimate at the end of the year that should exceed RD$30 billion, far exceeding the estimates set around RD$13 billion.
This was reported by the Minister of Energy and Mines, Joel Santos, who explained that this latest figure represents an increase of 131% compared to the budgeted estimates.
"Mining has proven to be a pillar of economic stability, of the government's ability to sustain social investment and sustainable development. In the last five years, the sector has contributed more than RD$99,000 million to public finances, reaffirming its strategic importance for the nation," he said.
Santos maintained that the dynamism of the sector is also reflected in foreign trade. Mining exports accumulated US$1,043.2 million until June 2025, which is equivalent to a year-on-year growth of 42%. In that sense, the participation of mining in national exports stood at around 32% during that period.
He also indicated that mining captured US$419.5 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first half of the year, which represents a year-on-year growth of 437.8%. According to the Central Bank, the energy and mining sectors together concentrated 40.2% of the national FDI in that period, consolidating their attractiveness for international investors.
Gold: main export product
Minister Joel Santos recalled that gold remains the main export product of the Dominican Republic, representing the majority of the revenue generated by mining.
He stated that this dynamism in international markets, both due to the increase in production volumes and favorable prices, has allowed the country to consolidate a stable source of foreign currency and tax contributions.
"That leadership of gold reaffirms the position of mining as a strategic axis in the trade balance and in the sustenance of the national economy," he pointed out.
In terms of economic activity, he stated that mining registered a year-on-year growth of 21% in July, according to the Monthly Index of Economic Activity (IMAE). This performance allowed the amount of gold exports to be doubled and significantly increased tax revenues, which rose from RD$3,376.9 million in July 2024 to RD$7,717.4 million in 2025.
The minister highlighted that, in a context of international uncertainty, mining has demonstrated its counter-cyclical capacity, by sustaining internal economic dynamism and guaranteeing income, foreign currency and stability, even at times when other sectors face greater challenges.
A law to modernize the sector
Santos underscored that the Mining Law 146-71 is under discussion in the National Congress, with the purpose of modernizing and strengthening the legal framework of the sector.
"The modernization of Law 146-71 will be key to continue promoting responsible, sustainable mining aligned with international standards. Its update will consolidate a clearer and more efficient regime for investments, reinforce legal security, and guarantee greater benefits for the State and communities," he explained.
The official also recalled that the development of sustainable mining is an essential condition for the future of the sector, by ensuring operations with environmental responsibility and respect for communities.
"Mining must continue to strengthen its bond with communities through jobs, productive chains and social programs, so that the benefits translate into direct well-being for families and trust in the extractive activity," he indicated.
Looking ahead, Santos assured that the sector has the potential to become an even more solid base of the Dominican economy, with new projects, diversification of minerals, and the use of technologies that enhance competitiveness. He pointed out that this vision will allow for increased production, generate more quality jobs, and guarantee sustainable long-term development.
Trust and transparency
For his part, the president of the Mining and Petroleum Chamber (Camipe), Pedro Esteva, highlighted that the growth of Dominican mining not only translates into income for the State, but also into the generation of quality jobs and productive linkages throughout the territory.
"Dominican mining reflects its ability to generate income, jobs, and trust. This is a sector that operates with standards of transparency and sustainability, which strengthens social and institutional trust," he affirmed.
Esteva also emphasized that the country has the opportunity to consolidate a modern and competitive mining industry in the global context. "Our commitment is to promote a responsible industry that contributes to economic development, energy security, and the transition towards a more sustainable economy," he concluded.
The activity was attended by Rolando Muñoz, Director of Mining; Alfonso Rodríguez, Vice Minister of Energy; Gisselle Valera, President of Barrick Pueblo Viejo; Emanuela Delfino, President of Docalsa; Cruz Amalia Rodríguez, President of Cementos Cibao; Ramón Tapia, President of Unigold; Martín Valerio, Executive Director of Camipe; Joel Ramírez, advisor; and Giovanni Bloise, advisor to the Vice Ministry of Mines.
