DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Assessment of implementation readiness

The assessment finds that the Dominican Republic has a medium level of preparedness in legal environment, financial benefit optimization, environmental management, and post-mining transition, but a low level of preparedness in socioeconomic benefit optimization and artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). While environmental laws are comprehensive, the primary mining law (Law No. 146) is outdated, and there is a significant lack of transparency in revenue distribution and a need to formalize the ASM sector.

• The primary national mining legislation, Law No. 146, is outdated, having not been updated since 1971, and requires urgent revision to adapt to new technologies and ensure a transparent permitting process.
• The Dominican Republic possesses a strong environmental management framework through Environmental Law No. 64-00, which is widely supported and requires companies to submit detailed semiannual reports and environmental impact assessments.
• Financial benefit distribution includes a requirement for mining entities to transfer 5% of their net benefits to the municipalities where the mining occurs, though transparency regarding the use of these funds is generally lacking.
• Socioeconomic benefit optimization is rated as low due to the absence of explicit requirements for socioeconomic plans in the permitting process and a lack of integration of mining into national development strategies.
• Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) is characterized by widespread informality, a lack of a coordinated government strategy, and reports of unsafe working conditions and child labour.
• The use of special contracts for large-scale projects creates inconsistencies in the permitting process and reduces transparency compared to the standard form contracts used for smaller projects.
• Post-mining transition readiness is medium; while companies must provide financial assurance and closure plans, the framework does not sufficiently address the reduction of social and economic impacts following mine closure.
• The Dominican Republic's mining sector has seen significant economic growth, with combined exports of gold, silver, and nickel amounting to US$1.4 billion in 2013, representing nearly 15% of GDP.

APA

Keller, M., Ruete, M., & Disney, K. (2014). DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Assessment of implementation readiness. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/mpf-dominican-republic-mining-sustainable-development-en.pdf

Chicago

Keller, Marius, Marina Ruete, and Kristi Disney. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Assessment of implementation readiness. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2014. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/mpf-dominican-republic-mining-sustainable-development-en.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Keller |first1=Marius |last2=Ruete |first2=Marina |last3=Disney |first3=Kristi |title=DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Assessment of implementation readiness |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=October 2014 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/mpf-dominican-republic-mining-sustainable-development-en.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{keller2014dominican, author = {Keller, Marius and Ruete, Marina and Disney, Kristi}, title = {{DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Assessment of implementation readiness}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2014}, month = oct, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/mpf-dominican-republic-mining-sustainable-development-en.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }