Luis Abinader bets on technological independence in rare earth processing
During his participation in the 2026 Concordia Annual Summit in New York, President Luis Abinader highlighted the strategic importance of the Dominican Republic developing its own technological capabilities for processing rare earth elements. Within the framework of the panel titled “From the Ground Up: Building Critical Mineral Supply Chains in the Americas,” the president emphasized that the country should not limit itself solely to the extraction of these mineral resources.
The head of state stressed that, in a global market where the refining of these minerals is highly concentrated in China, the Caribbean nation faces a fundamental challenge: integrating the technology necessary to transform the raw material locally.
We have to identify the quantity and quality of the mineral. At the same time, we have to identify the technology.
Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic
A comprehensive approach to mining
The vision presented by President Abinader proposes parallel development. On one hand, exhaustive research into the quality and volume of rare earth deposits in Dominican territory and, on the other, the active search for alliances and technological tools that allow for internal refining.
This approach seeks to position the Dominican Republic as a relevant player in the critical minerals supply chain in the Americas. By mastering the refining process, the country could add value to its natural resources, transcending the traditional model of exporting raw minerals and strengthening its economic sovereignty in the face of international trade dynamics.
Challenges and opportunities
- Independence: Reduce dependence on foreign processing, specifically from Asian markets.
- Innovation: Implement advanced technological processes for efficient extraction and refining.
- Value added: Maximize economic benefits from the utilization of rare earths through domestic processing.
With these statements, the Dominican Government reaffirms its interest in capitalizing on the country’s natural resources under standards of efficiency and competitiveness, ensuring that mining development is a driver of long-term technological growth.
