Dominican Republic and EU to study rare earth elements in Pedernales

The Dominican Republic and the European Union have signed a Joint Declaration to launch scientific studies evaluating the potential of rare earth elements, gallium, and scandium in Pedernales. The research will focus on karst bauxite deposits within the Ávila Fiscal Mining Reserve.

The project, which has a total cost of €538,709.50, is funded through contributions from the European Union, the Dominican government, and the University of Barcelona. The initiative aims to provide robust scientific data to inform future decisions regarding resource exploitation, emphasizing sustainability, transparency, and environmental protection.

Beyond funding, the cooperation includes technology transfer and the strengthening of national technical capacities. The studies will involve specialized mineralogical characterization, field research, and the development of tools for sustainable mining development.