Haiti’s geology is more varied than many assume, with uplands, river valleys and coastal areas that contain different mineral occurrences tied to local uses and economy. Understanding what lies under the surface helps explain past extraction, current use and future possibilities.
There are 9 Minerals in Haiti, ranging from Bauxite to Sand and gravel (silica/calcite). For each entry the table lists Principal locations, Occurrence / status, Main uses so you can compare deposits, production status and typical applications — you’ll find below.
How extensive are these mineral resources and who typically uses them?
The nine items cover a mix of commonly used construction materials and lesser-studied commodities; materials like sand, gravel and bauxite supply local building and industrial needs, while others may be small-scale or under-explored. Users range from local builders and small miners to industry and potential export markets, but detailed production data are often limited.
What are the main challenges to developing these minerals responsibly?
Key barriers include limited geological surveys, weak infrastructure, gaps in regulation and environmental risks from unregulated extraction; responsible development requires better data, clear policies, investment in oversight and meaningful community engagement.
Minerals in Haiti
| Mineral | Principal locations | Occurrence / status | Main uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Nord, Nord-Est, Centre, Sud-Est | Vein and placer; artisanal mining and exploration | Jewelry, investment, electronics |
| Copper | Nord, Sud-Est, Centre | Vein and disseminated occurrences; reported exploration | Electrical, construction, alloys |
| Nickel | Massif de la Hotte, Sud, Grand’Anse | Lateritic soils over ultramafic rocks; limited exploration | Stainless steel, batteries, alloys |
| Bauxite | Ouest, Centre, Nord | Lateritic crusts; reported occurrences and prospecting | Alumina and aluminum ore source |
| Limestone (calcite) | Artibonite, Ouest, Nord, Centre | Widespread carbonate deposits; actively quarried | Cement, lime, construction aggregate |
| Marble (calcite/dolomite) | Sud, Grand’Anse, Ouest | Metamorphosed carbonate bodies; small quarries | Dimension stone, decorative finishes |
| Sand and gravel (silica/calcite) | Coastal plains, river valleys nationwide | Alluvial and beach deposits; widely extracted | Concrete, construction, road building |
| Clay (kaolinite and other clays) | Nord, Artibonite, Ouest | Residual and sedimentary clay deposits; small-scale use | Bricks, ceramics, cement additives |
| Crushed stone (aggregate) | Nationwide (limestone quarries) | Quarried carbonate and silicate rock; active | Road base, concrete, construction aggregate |
Images and Descriptions
Gold
Gold occurs in vein and alluvial settings in northern and eastern Haiti; small artisanal workings and exploration reports highlight potential but no large-scale commercial production to date.
Copper
Copper-bearing veins and sulphide occurrences have been documented in several Haitian massifs; small-scale prospecting and historical reports indicate modest potential for future exploration.
Nickel
Nickel occurs as laterite on ultramafic rocks in southwestern Haiti; mostly reported in exploration surveys with limited follow-up drilling or development.
Bauxite
Bauxite-type lateritic profiles have been identified in parts of Haiti; reports note potential source material for aluminum after further evaluation and beneficiation testing.
Limestone (calcite)
Extensive limestone beds supply local quarries for cement, lime, and construction aggregate; a key industrial mineral supporting domestic building materials industries.
Marble (calcite/dolomite)
Polished marble occurs in metamorphosed carbonate zones and has been quarried locally for building and decorative stone; production is small but of cultural and economic interest.
Sand and gravel (silica/calcite)
Sand and gravel are the most commonly extracted mineral commodities in Haiti, collected from rivers and beaches for concrete and road construction at small and medium scales.
Clay (kaolinite and other clays)
Kaolinitic and other clays are present as residual soils and sedimentary layers; used locally for brickmaking, ceramics, and as additives in building materials.
Crushed stone (aggregate)
Crushed stone from local quarries, mainly limestone, supplies aggregate for roads, concrete, and construction; an important, low-technology industry across Haiti.
