CAMIPE calls for clearer regulations to unlock Dominican Republic’s critical minerals potential

The Dominican Republic Mining and Petroleum Chamber (CAMIPE) called for clearer and more predictable regulatory processes to strengthen the country’s mining sector and capitalize on growing global demand for critical minerals.

The organization made the remarks during a critical minerals panel at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) headquarters in Washington, D.C., held as part of Dominican Week in the United States.

CAMIPE Executive Director Martín Valerio Jiminián said the Dominican Republic has a legal framework for mining development but needs more coordinated and efficient procedures for complex, long-term investments.

He proposed measures including a Single Mining Window, digital processes, inter-institutional coordination, file tracking, defined deadlines and clear rules throughout the mining cycle.

Valerio Jiminián stressed that streamlining procedures does not mean weakening environmental requirements, arguing that rigorous environmental assessments can coexist with efficient administrative processes.

Regarding critical minerals, he said the country’s strategy should go beyond identifying potential deposits and focus on developing local technical expertise, institutions, technology and investment capacity, while generating benefits for communities and protecting the environment.

He said the long-term objective should be to transform potential mineral resources into national capabilities and position the Dominican Republic within regional critical-minerals supply chains.