The Cordillera Oriental is now known as a major amber-producing region. As reported in Diario Libre, the amber mining is now the leading economic activity in the municipality of El Valle in the province of Hato Mayor. Diario Libre reports there is little regulation of the mining operations for yellow, red or blue amber – the rarest variety. Reportedly, blue amber is sought by Chinese purchasers who are willing to pay RD$40,000 per ounce. If it is fossilized, the price can increase to RD$75,000. Reportedly, Jose Caraballo found a stone weighing 1.25 lb and received RD$1.6 million for it. As reported, farmers in the region are now dedicated to mining operations. Former workers in African palm plantations are now mining amber. Diario Libre reports that a jewelry-making school in the Aquilino Medina municipality had to close because it could not compete with the big money of the Chinese amber buyers.
www.diariolibre.com/noticias/2014/01/20/i446891_mbar-eje-economa-hato-mayor.html