Dominican Republic finds 150 million tons of rare earths

The Dominican Republic has identified extensive rare earth deposits that could transform the Caribbean nation into a pivotal supplier for global high-tech industries. President Luis Abinader announced on Friday that preliminary evaluations indicate gross deposits exceeding 150 million tons of rare earth elements. These deposits consist of 17 essential metals used in the production of semiconductors, aerospace technology, and advanced military equipment.

During his annual State of the Nation address to Congress, Abinader outlined an ambitious timeline to finalize mineral assessments within the current year. The government aims to certify these reserves by early next year, a critical milestone required before initiating large-scale extraction and refining operations. While the total volume is estimated at 150 million tons, officials have yet to determine the exact proportion that will be commercially viable for global markets.

The president framed the development of these resources as a pillar of a broader national strategy focused on energy transformation and the responsible management of natural assets. He emphasized that the initiative would bolster national sovereignty, decrease reliance on foreign imports, lower carbon emissions, and enhance the country's economic competitiveness.

The United States has expressed significant interest in the deposits, which are primarily located in the border province of Pedernales. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously highlighted the strategic importance of these minerals for 21st-century technological advancement.

The world will need access to such resources to develop key technologies in this century.

Rubio further noted that while the rare earth resources belong to the Dominican people, the American government remains committed to offering support as a strategic partner in their sustainable development.