Dominican Republic projects rare earth exports by 2028
President Luis Abinader reaffirmed the Dominican Republic’s firm commitment to the strategic utilization of its mineral resources. During his participation in the 2026 Concordia Annual Summit in New York, the president detailed the country’s progress in identifying rare earth reserves and the technological development necessary for their processing, with the goal of initiating the first exports by the year 2028.
In the panel titled “From the Ground Up: Building Critical Mineral Supply Chains in the Americas”, the head of state emphasized that the country is working closely with the United States on the exploration of these deposits. It is expected that, by the end of this year, a more precise technical assessment of the magnitude of these resources will be available, following initial reports indicating gross deposits exceeding 150 million tons.
Technological challenges and international cooperation
One of the key points highlighted by the president is the need to decentralize the refining of these minerals, an industrial capacity currently concentrated in China. To achieve this goal, the Dominican Mining Company (Emidom) will lead the technical monitoring and the development of solutions that allow for going beyond simple extraction.
The Dominican Republic is working on technological alternatives that allow for the processing of these minerals and moving beyond their simple extraction, seeking to consolidate a resilient supply chain in the Western Hemisphere.
In September, both nations formalized a cooperation framework to strengthen the security of critical mineral supply chains. This agreement seeks to integrate technology, financing, and private capital to ensure the viability of mining projects in Dominican territory.
Focus on community development and sustainability
Beyond the technical aspects, Abinader emphasized that mining must be an engine for social well-being. According to his vision, it is imperative that local communities perceive direct benefits from mining exploitation, ensuring that resources translate into tangible improvements for the municipalities where these projects operate.
- Direct participation of communities in economic benefits.
- Linking economic development with environmental protection.
- Implementation of clear rules and sustainability as pillars of management.
The president concluded his speech by highlighting that economic growth is fundamental for the preservation of the environment, arguing that overcoming poverty is the best tool to reduce pressures on the country’s natural resources.
