Canada pledges support to Dominican Republic in developing rare earth supply chains

Santo Domingo.- Canada has pledged its support to the Dominican Republic in developing more resilient supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths, as announced by Canadian Ambassador Jacqueline DeLima Baril. Speaking at a seminar on sustainable mining, the ambassador affirmed Canada’s readiness to collaborate closely with the Dominican government in this sector.

This initiative follows U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s statement, reaffirming the U.S.’s interest in partnering with the Dominican Republic on rare earth exploration. The exploration of rare earth elements has gained global significance due to their vital role in modern industries like technology and energy.

The Dominican Republic, particularly the province of Pedernales, has emerged as a key site for rare earth exploration. Minister of Energy and Mines Joel Santos highlighted that exploration efforts would begin in September 2024, with initial resource estimates expected by 2025. Early studies suggest the existence of 100 million tons of rare earths, presenting a major economic opportunity.

While mining has contributed minimally to the country’s GDP growth, its role is expected to improve with the exploration of rare earths. Canadian companies, long established in the Dominican mining sector, have been key players in this development. Despite some challenges in the mining sector, including a decline in 2024, there is optimism for a gradual recovery, particularly with the expansion of the Pueblo Viejo gold mine.

Both Canada and the U.S. have expressed their commitment to assisting the Dominican Republic in its mining efforts, emphasizing the mutual benefits of international collaboration in this critical sector.