The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean’s largest economy with GDP growth averaging 5.4 percent annually (1992-2014). The EITI is part of the government’s transparency framework in its effort to develop the extractive industries in light of significant reserves. Pueblo Viejo, the country’s largest gold mine was redeveloped in 2012. Hydrocarbon exploration is promoted. 19 000 km of 2D geological information is publicly available at the National Hydrocarbons Data Base. Forthcoming bidding rounds will be based on open contracts. A number of civil society organizations oppose the expansion of the extractives after the legacy of environmental and social erosion of historical mining exploitation.

Traditionally extractive activities in the Dominican Republic have represented a source of income from extraction of gold, silver, nickel, marble, bauxite, gypsum, and semiprecious stones like amber and larimar. Expansion of the sector is expected during the coming decade. The potential value of mining resources and reserves for 2012 was estimated to USD 60 billion and USD 40 billion for metallic and non-metallic mining respectively.

Hydrocarbon

Development of the hydrocarbon sector is high in the government’s agenda. The Presidential Decree 83-16 regulates exploration and production of hydrocarbons. The first National Hydrocarbons Data Base, available in open source, contains 19 000 km of geological information.  

Mining

Mining activities are concentrated in the provinces of Pedernales, Barahona, Monseñor Nouel, Sanchez Ramirez, Samaná and Puerto Plata.  In 2014, mining production reached a peak due to the stabilization of  many companies inlcuding Pueblo Viejo, worldwide top ten silver and gold mine.  In that year the mining sector grew 20.9% and mining exports accounted for USD 1.6 billion. Since 2015 the production has been falling as a consequence of technical adjustments.

The chart below displays gold production for 2014 and 2015.

The Dominican Republic was admitted as an EITI Candidate country on 23rd February 2016 at the 32nd EITI Board Meeting in Lima. The country implements the EITI as per the agreed work plan. In accordance with the EITI Standard, the Dominican Republic is required to publish its first EITI Report by 23 August 2017. 

Governance

The Dominican multi-stakeholder group is preceded by the Minister of Energy and Mines, Antonio Isa Conde. As per the country's Candidature application, the Multi-stakeholder Group (MSG) agreed the national EITI principles and approved their own Terms of Reference. The MSG was established by the Decree 248-16 and functions as per the structure below.