Dominican Republic and the University of Texas partner on geology and hydrocarbon research

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has launched a joint research project with the University of Texas at Austin to strengthen its technical database and assess the hydrocarbon potential of the country’s onshore and offshore sedimentary basins.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Energy and Mines and the university’s Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG), will run through March 2027 and aims to provide more accurate geological data to support oil and gas exploration, improve investment opportunities, and enhance the country’s energy security.

Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos said the project will also contribute to the evaluation of critical minerals, including rare earth elements, helping the Dominican Republic better understand and develop its strategic natural resources.

BEG officials said the partnership will expand technical cooperation and knowledge sharing between both institutions, while providing geological expertise in evaluating the country’s energy resources.

During the visit, the University of Texas delegation also received an update on the Dominican Republic’s ongoing rare earth exploration program in Pedernales, which is being carried out by the Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Dominican Mining Company (Emidom) to determine the country’s critical mineral potential.