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Santo Domingo.- Five of the 14 types of scrap metals exported by the country is a US$73.0 million per year business, and steady increases, in keeping with complaints of theft from structures filed by public and private entities.

Figures from the Export and Investment Center (CEI-RD) show that from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2011, sales of scrap iron, steel, copper, aluminum, brass and zinc went from US$12.4 million to US$155.4 million, a jump of 1,150 percent.

Main buyers

Most buyers are Asian nations, especially China, which 2011 emerged as the top market for materials with bronze, copper and aluminum, while South Korea and Taiwan bought most of the iron and steel. Other major customers are the U.S., North Korea, Japan, Vietnam and Germany.

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COMMENTS
11 comment(s)
Written by: zooma, 20 Jun 2012 8:40 AM
From: United States

How much of this scrap is stolen ? Somehow, I think a couple of my utility hole covers is mingled with the exports.

I would suggest the government require scrap metal handlers to record whoever supplies them with suspect metal items, such as utility / manhole covers and cable of any type.
Written by: josearias, 20 Jun 2012 8:42 AM
From: United States
Here is a major answer to the metal thefh in DR , the goberment in power right now has to stop the exporting of this as soon as possible
Written by: bernies, 20 Jun 2012 10:14 AM
From: United States, key west fl
Why are we exporting scrap metals when we don't produce metal here, it is a non sense.
Written by: josearias, 20 Jun 2012 11:08 AM
From: United States
Good point .. Bernies .... The exporting of any metals have to be band once and for all , And then the thefh of electrical, phone cables, man hall covers , hway barriers, you name it will stop this is a very serious problem and averybody soffer directly and indirectly ...
Written by: Ricardolito, 20 Jun 2012 11:16 AM
From: Dominican Republic, calle A.Portes
I doubt if at this point in time we have the large factory to convert this scrap metal back into products that can be used again ..and so we have to export it , and then import it . Yes nearly every thing can be processed and in many countries they have huge trucks going around all the houses and factories picking up every piece of metal so it can be recycled ..I would like every taxi publico to be recycled
Written by: RoyStone, 20 Jun 2012 2:44 PM
From: Australia
Absolutely, Ricky
The only genuine scrap metal is still driving along Dominican streets. The exported variety is stolen infrastructure.
Written by: Yucahu, 20 Jun 2012 4:38 PM
From: United States, Miami
A full ban on exports of metal. And the government impound all metaleras. This is a joke!
Written by: MrThelmoAlmeydaRancier, 20 Jun 2012 8:40 PM
From: United States, NJ
I was watching DR channel TV-S two weeks ago and they reported 29 vertical steel cables from

Duarte bridge stollen at day time. Does any one at least call the cops and alerts them of the fact?

Unless these dismantlers were dressed up as official bullies?.Still common sence tells you

diferent and at the long run it is going to weaken the bridge. They haven't mentioned it since as

scandal . Seems they were told to shut up or face the music. DR MAFFIA, How could you export

metal that you don't produce?Some big stupid general must be throughing his weight around i

would say !!
Written by: benwaballs, 20 Jun 2012 11:57 PM
From: Dominican Republic
just another shady business in the DR assisted by the government and acceptance of crime.
Written by: elBuscoon, 21 Jun 2012 5:45 AM
From: Cuba, La Havana, Que Viva La Revolucion

Yea.....

There goes all the bridges, man hole covers, street signs, park benches, Highway sign frames, Power transmission towers, power lines, phone lines ect.....

No RESPECT

What do you EXPECT

They sell their own Mothers and Sisters.....

Why not sell your country???

Written by: MrThelmoAlmeydaRancier, 22 Jun 2012 7:20 PM
From: United States, NJ
Did any one heare of the Duarte bridge scandal at day time?
Like they say up hear the Dominicans will steal anything that is not bolted down,
Kiskeyaman might have a point and reasons to believe so .
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