Explanatory Notice of the Mining and Energy Potential Map of Haiti
Summary — This document presents Haiti's mining and energy potential based on decades of geological research and exploration from 1939-1992. It inventories metallic, non-metallic, fossil energy, thermal and renewable energy resources across the country.
Key Findings
- Haiti's subsoil contains significant but underexploited mineral and energy resources with potential to drive socio-economic development.
- Gold deposits in the Northern Massif include Grand Bois (340,000 ounces), Morne Bossa (135,000 ounces), and Faille B (85,000 ounces).
- Major copper deposits exist at Mémé (2 million tons remaining), Douvray (86 million tons), Blondin (50 million tons), and Vallières (50 million tons).
- Bauxite reserves total approximately 2.5 million tons at Rochelois plateau, with additional potential sites identified.
- Jean Rabel shows promising polymetallic potential with copper, molybdenum, silver and gold requiring further evaluation.
Full Description
This comprehensive technical notice accompanies the official mining and energy potential map of Haiti, published by the Bureau of Mines and Energy (BME) in March 2018. The document represents the culmination of extensive geological research and exploration efforts spanning over 50 years, from 1939 to 1992, with significant international cooperation and funding.
The research was conducted in two major periods: 1939-1972 focused primarily on fossil fuel exploration, and 1972-1992 covered both mining and energy sectors. During these periods, Haiti benefited from technical and financial assistance from numerous international organizations including UNDP, OAS, World Bank, and various bilateral cooperation agencies.
The document classifies Haiti's mineral and energy potential into four categories: metallic resources (gold, copper, aluminum, silver), non-metallic resources, fossil energy resources, and thermal/renewable energy resources. For each resource type, the document distinguishes between proven 'deposits' with evaluated mineral masses suitable for exploitation, and 'indices' where traces have been observed but economic evaluation remains pending.
The publication serves as a territorial planning tool and decision-making instrument, aimed at enabling sustainable development of Haiti's mineral sector as a catalyst for socio-economic development and industrialization, while ensuring environmental protection and transparency in resource management.