Dominican Republic on track to determine rare earth element reserves by 2026; Rare earth mining needs to reinvent itself

[Dolores]

Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos announced on Sunday, 9 February 2025 that exploration activities are advancing to determine the extent of rare earth element resources this year, with the first reserve declaration anticipated by 2026. This involves mineralogy studies, drilling, and testing to assess the depth and quantity of resources.

Two sites in Pedernales province (Reserva Minera Avila) are found to have promise.

Rare earth elements (REE) are used in technological devices, including medical equipment and cell phones. Everything from the iPhone to the Tesla electric engine to LED lights use REEs.

The US Army Corps of Engineers is working on the assessment into the feasibility for the exploitation of the minerals found in areas that were previously mined for bauxite.

During his visit to the Dominican Republic on 5 and 6 February 2025 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio...

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[Ecoman1949]

The pace of rare earth elements exploration and development in the DR is accelerating fast because of US interest and pressure. This release is worth the read because it clearly outlines the very toxic effects of rare earth extraction as well as the large amounts of energy required to run the extraction process. The new less toxic process is bench scale only so far.

The impacts on the DR landscape are going to be severe, much worse than the impacts of gold mining because there is a pressing need for the metals in the US and current extraction technologies that generate very toxic waste will be used. They are proven and are less expensive.

The conflict with the mining development near Pedernales is noted but, in this case, the US is driving the mining development and we know it will happen. Power supply in the DR is already an issue for residents. Will mine power requirements take precedence over residential power requirements? Will mining development take precedence over tourism development, Abinader’s favourite type of development?

Rare earth mining in the DR may turn out to be a double edged sword.