The goal of this report is to summarize the elements necessary to demonstrate Haiti’s capacity to permit and regulate mines in Haiti to ensure that it protects human health and the environment. This includes two primary elements: The completeness and best practices of Haiti’s relevant laws and regulations and Haiti’s governmental capacity to permit and regulate mines.
The importance of ensuring Haiti’s capacity to permit and regulate mines cannot be overstated: major mining activities cause significant impacts to the landscape and people in every place that it occurs. Therefore, it is essential for Haiti’s capacity to be in place before mining activities begin.
The mining industry as a whole has significant financial resources and therefore can wield significant financial and political pressure on governments. It is important to recognize that Haiti’s mineral wealth belongs to Haiti. If mineral surveys or exploration demonstrate that Haiti has valuable mineral wealth, the wealth should be considered Haiti’s.
