Non-producing copper exporters

[NewsWhore]

Though the Dominican Republic doesn't produce any copper, the country exported exported 145,421.50 kilos (363,553.75 pounds) of copper to various countries, mainly China, in the first three months of the year. These exports are for the equivalent of US$101,177.86 (RD$3,308,516.02). A report in Diario Libre explains that the copper is extracted from stolen materials, repackaged, sold, and the exported. Diario Libre writes that the continued theft of electricity wiring, manhole covers, fences, and other materials has led authorities to become suspicious as to the origins of copper. Adding to this is the theft reports by the energy companies totaling RD$600 million and RD$200 million reported by the telephone companies. The copper extracted from the materials is sold for RD$50 to RD$70 per pound and then prepared for exportation. The situation has become so alarming that Customs (DGA) has received reports confirming that the copper is extracted from stolen electricity and phone materials. This has led Customs to require documentation from exporters to prove the origins of copper. As a way to also curve the thefts of electricity and phone materials the Metal Association of the National District and the Province of Santo Domingo (Asomedprosa) has decided not to buy cables that come from telephone or light poles.

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