Mining leads Dominican economy with 10.7% growth, says Joel Santos

Santo Domingo.- Dominican Republic Minister of Energy and Mines Joel Santos reported that mining was the fastest-growing sector of the national economy during the January-April period, recording a year-on-year expansion of 10.7%, according to data from the Central Bank’s Monthly Indicator of Economic Activity (IMAE).

Santos attributed the sector’s strong performance to increased gold and silver production, which contributed significantly to the Dominican economy’s overall accumulated growth of 4.0% during the first four months of the year, compared to 2.7% during the same period in 2025.

The minister noted that the results were achieved despite global economic uncertainty linked to the conflict in the Middle East and rising international oil prices. He emphasized that the Dominican Republic’s mining industry continues to play a strategic role in supporting economic stability during periods of international volatility.

“The mining sector is the quintessential counter-cyclical sector of the Dominican economy,” Santos said, explaining that metal prices often rise during global crises, helping stabilize the country’s economy.

He also highlighted the nation’s mineral wealth, including gold, silver, copper, nickel, bauxite, and limestone, as key drivers of exports, investment, employment, and tax revenue.

According to the minister, mining exports surpassed US$2.5 billion in 2025, while tax contributions from the sector reached approximately RD$45 billion. He added that the energy sector also recorded positive results, with cumulative growth of 3.5% between January and April.