The Dominican Republic’s mining industry achieved unprecedented export performance in 2025, reaching a historic high of $2.59 billion according to official data from the Central Bank. This remarkable figure represents a substantial 52% increase compared to 2024’s $1.71 billion and a 20% growth over 2021’s previous record of $2.16 billion.
Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos revealed that the final quarter of 2025 was particularly impressive, generating $825.9 million in mining exports—a 67% surge from the same period in 2024. The quarterly performance also showed strong sequential growth, improving by nearly 14% over the July-September period.
Gold emerged as the dominant commodity driving this export boom, with significant contributions from silver and copper. The mining sector now accounts for over 40% of the nation’s total exports, underscoring its critical role in the Dominican economy.
The sector simultaneously demonstrated robust foreign investment appeal, attracting $556.3 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during the first three quarters of 2025. This investment inflow constituted approximately 14% of the country’s total FDI, with the broader energy and mining sectors collectively capturing about 40% of all foreign capital entering the Dominican Republic.
Minister Santos attributed these achievements to strategic government initiatives focused on investment strengthening and institutional development. Beyond traditional mining, the sector witnessed diversification through the growth of artisanal mining, particularly larimar—which gained international recognition with its “Larimar Barahona” Denomination of Origin from the World Intellectual Property Organization.
Significant progress was also made in rare earth exploitation in Pedernales province and substantial social development initiatives, including a RD$20 billion community investment program in Cotuí. The government advanced modernization efforts for Mining Law 146-71, with plans to present updated legislation to the National Congress in early 2026.