Six provinces hold majority of Dominican Republic’s mining resources

Santo Domingo.- Mining resources in the Dominican Republic are primarily concentrated in six provinces: Dajabón, San Juan, Pedernales, Barahona, Sánchez Ramírez, and Monseñor Nouel, according to Minister of Energy and Mines Joel Santos. Speaking at the panel “Mining: Progress or Conflict?”, Santos emphasized the country’s potential in both metallic and non-metallic mining.

Key metallic resources include ferronickel and iron in Bonao (currently suspended), as well as gold, silver, and copper found mainly in Sánchez Ramírez and Monseñor Nouel, where companies like Barrick Pueblo Viejo and Cormidom operate. Non-metallic mining highlights include larimar in Barahona—a semiprecious stone valuable for its distinctive blue color—and gypsum and salt.

Additionally, rare earth elements, bauxite, and aluminum are found in Pedernales, while unexploited deposits of gold, silver, and copper exist in San Juan and Dajabón. Santos noted that these resources are key to the sector’s future growth and to boosting private investment in the national economy.