The Minister of Energy and Mines, Joel Santospresented to United States authorities the progress and schedule of the exploration project of rare earth developed by the Dominican Republic in the Ávila Mining Fiscal Reserve, in Pedernales, with the goal of obtaining the first resource estimation between December 2026 and January 2027, a step prior to the initial declaration of reserves.
Santos held a meeting in Washington, DC with the US Undersecretary of Energy, James Danlywithin the framework of its participation in the Ministerial Meeting on Minerals Critics, to which he was invited by the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. The meeting allowed us to strengthen bilateral dialogue and explore technical cooperation in energy, mining, oil and gas.
During the meeting, the minister explained that the rare earth exploration is executed under international standard NI 43-101 of Canada, with geological, geochemical and geophysical works, in addition to drilling and drilling, complying with strict quality controls.
He detailed that in 2026 starts the study phase, which includes the Environmental Impact Studies and Social (ESIA), the development of the mining plan, the metallurgical process, market and infrastructure studies, as well as permits and pre-feasibility and feasibility analyses. “These studies will allow us to evaluate the viability of the project under criteria of sustainability and responsible mining“he stated.
Highlights energy investments
In the energy field, Santos also highlighted the country’s progress in natural gaswith projects that would exceed 2,000 megawatts towards 2028, and stressed the importance of strengthening the planning of the electrical system and diversifying the generation matrix.
