The Minister of Energy and Mines, Joel Santoshighlighted the results presented by the president Luis Abinader during the rendering of accounts before the National Assembly, in which historical figures and strategic advances in the mining and hydrocarbon sectors are evident.
Santos affirmed that the data presented by the president reflect a State policy aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of the extractive sector, guaranteeing environmental sustainability and attracting long-term productive investment.
“The fact that mining exports have exceeded 2.6 billion dollars in 2025, with a growth of 52% compared to the previous year, confirms that Dominican mining has established itself as one of the main drivers of foreign exchange generation,” the official pointed out.
The minister highlighted that the sector captured more than 556 million dollars in Foreign Direct Investment between January and September 2025, equivalent to 14% of the national total, while energy received 1,010.7 million dollars, both concentrating close to 40% of the country’s FDI.
Regarding specific projects, he explained that the Romero mine, in San Juan, is in the process of an environmental study and has not yet been approved for exploitation. He highlighted that the project will have the support of the Academy of Sciences, with the objective of guaranteeing that environmental studies are properly carried out and evaluated before any concession.
He also indicated that there is another project under restoration that must go through the same environmental process.
Regarding larimar, he highlighted that the tripling of its exports, after the international registration of the Denomination of Origin “Larimar Barahona”, strengthens the protection and valorization of this unique heritage of the Dominican Republic in more than 28 countries.
Regarding the development of rare earths in Pedernales, Joel Santos explained that the country moved towards an advanced exploratory phase, identifying more than 80 mineralized polygons, with investments exceeding RD$128 million. He indicated that this process positions the Dominican Republic within the global map of strategic minerals for the energy transition.
He explained that currently preliminary figures or “gross figures” are used, since they correspond to the combined content of the mineral before its final processing. He added that the first studies offer encouraging information on quantity, quality and ease of extraction, which impacts both costs and potential environmental impact. He pointed out that Dominican rare earths come from secondary minerals, which makes their extraction easier.
In terms of hydrocarbons, the minister valued the approval of the new Hydrocarbons Law, the first oil exploration concession in the Cibao basin and the technical advances that prepare the country for the Second Oil Round, under criteria of transparency, environmental sustainability and state stewardship.
He reported that the Dominican Republic has identified 11 potential blocks for exploration purposes. In the first oil round, two blocks were awarded, which are currently in the permitting process, including the environmental part. It is expected that exploration work will begin in these two blocks in approximately 60 days.
He indicated that, although the data is still preliminary, the potential identified so far seems to be more oriented toward natural gas than oil.
Likewise, he reiterated that a second oil round will be held in November to tender the remaining nine blocks, including marine blocks. These blocks are mostly related to the south of the country, although information collection work was recently carried out in the north.
“We are building a competitive, transparent mining and energy sector aligned with international standards. These results are not temporary, but part of a structural vision of development,” he expressed.
Santos reaffirmed that the Government’s mining and energy policy is aimed at generating employment, strengthening the economy and consolidating a sustainable growth model for the country.
