The Minister of Energy and mines (Mem), Joel Santos, declared yesterday that the Government’s interest is that the Dominican Falcombridge Minera (Falcando) can restart its operations in the country, but said that the resumption depends on the clarification of a “series of issues that are not properly reported.”
During a press conference to talk about the impact of Mining sector In the national economy, Santos pointed out that we must wait for the progress of the legal process Started by the State against Falcando and in parallel the search for a solution for that mining company.
Recently Free newspaper published the information that the State, through the Patrimonial Fund of the renovated companies (Fonper), sued the Superior Administrative Court the termination of the mining concession contract with Falcandosigned almost 70 years ago.
In the demandfiled on July 22, 2025, the Fonper imput Falcando have violated the contract and cause environmental damage to the country exceeding 25 million dollars.
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Also, he accused the company to breach since 2023 with its labor and sales obligations, in January 2024, of property without the consent of the Dominican State, which has 9.5 % of the actions of Falcombridge Dominican, through the Dominican Corporation of State Companies.
“The main interest of the government will always be the social and impact part that has in the communities, understanding the importance of this mining company for the Monsignor Nouel province and surrounding areas, “said the official.
He stressed that Mining sector continues to consolidate as one of the pillars of the national economy, contributing more than 20 billion pesos in Fiscal collections in the first seven months of 2025.
According to authorities’ estimates, mines and quarries They would contribute income to government above 30 billion pesos, exceeding the projections set around 13 billion pesos.
During the meeting with the press, the minister was accompanied by the president of the Petroleum Mining Chamber of the Dominican Republic, Pedro Esteva; The director of MiningRolando Muñoz; Gisselle Valera, president of Barrick Pueblo Viejoamong other executives and sector officials.
Modernize legislation
Joel Santos stressed that the MINING LAW 146-71with the purpose of modernizing and strengthening the Legal Framework of the sector.
“The modernization of Law 146-71 will be key to continuing to drive a mining Responsible, sustainable and aligned with international standards. Its update will consolidate a clearer and more efficient regime for investments, strengthen legal certainty and guarantee greater benefits for the State and communities, “he explained.
