Dominican Republic President claims discovery of over 150 million tons of rare earth mineral deposits, potentially becoming a key mineral supplier

Financial Associated Press, February 28 (Editor: Niu Zhanlin) The President of the Dominican Republic, Abinader, stated on Friday that the country has discovered significant rare earth mineral deposits, which could position this Caribbean nation as a key supplier of critical minerals for high-tech industries in the future.

According to a statement from the Dominican government, preliminary studies show that the total reserves of rare earth resources within the country exceed 150 million tons, covering 17 types of rare earth metals used in semiconductors, aerospace, and military equipment.

During his annual national address to Congress, Abinader set a goal to complete mineral resource assessments within this year and to certify the reserves early next year, which is a necessary prerequisite for large-scale mining and smelting.

Currently, the government is unclear about how much of the over 150 million tons of total resources are economically viable for commercial extraction and processing.

Abinader has integrated rare earth development into the national energy transition and the broader strategy of “responsible utilization of natural resources.” He stated that this move will strengthen national sovereignty, reduce dependence on external resources, lower emissions, and enhance overall competitiveness.

It is reported that the relevant mineral deposits are located in Pedernales Province, bordering Haiti, and the U.S. has expressed strong interest.

In fact, a year ago, the Dominican Republic announced that it might possess up to 100 million tons of rare earth deposits, which drew widespread international attention.

The disclosure of this significant reserve has sparked optimism in Dominican politics. Some leaders believe that the rare earth resources could change the country’s economic structure. Currently, the Dominican economy remains heavily reliant on agriculture and tourism.

Given the economic potential of this discovery, the Dominican government has established a new state-owned entity—Dominican Mining Company—to oversee the extraction and export of mineral resources.

U.S. Secretary of State Blinken stated in February last year that the development of key technologies this century depends on access to such resources. He also emphasized that these rare earths “belong to the Dominican Republic and its people,” and expressed the U.S. is willing to support their development as a partner.

Blinken claimed, “It’s good news that an American ally possesses such rare and valuable resources, and the U.S. is ready to assist the Dominican Republic in developing them.”