Mining drives Dominican economy with surge in exports and investment

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic’s mining sector continued its strong performance in the first months of 2026, with production, exports, investment, and employment all recording significant gains, according to a new report by the Dominican Republic Mining and Petroleum Chamber (CAMIPE).

Mining and quarrying activity grew 9.7% year over year between January and May, more than double the country’s overall economic growth of 4.2% during the same period. The sector also accounted for 2.1% of GDP in the first quarter.

Mining exports reached US$1.45 billion through May, a 67.6% increase from a year earlier, generating nearly US$1.4 billion in foreign exchange. The report said mining represented more than half of national exports and was the fastest-growing source of foreign currency, outpacing tourism, remittances, and other exports.

Foreign direct investment in mining also rose sharply, accounting for 17.5% of total FDI received by the country. Meanwhile, reported sales climbed 52%, and the sector employed 7,491 workers, with an average monthly salary of RD$78,456, nearly double the national average.

CAMIPE said the results underscore mining’s strategic role in the Dominican economy and called for policies that encourage exploration, streamline regulations, attract investment, and promote responsible, environmentally sustainable development.