The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) agreed with the General Directorate of Customs (DGA) to strengthen support for its laboratory, for the development of research carried out within the framework of the “Rare Earth Elements Exploration Project”, considered of high national interest.
Through a recently signed agreement, the Ministry of Energy and Mines committed to donating to the DGA the equipment, spare parts and products necessary for these studies. The Customs laboratory is a local tool that, together with other national and international laboratories, will carry out the necessary analyses and studies of the samples and elements collected.
Customs will be responsible for carrying out the analysis of samples related to the rare earth exploration project, at the request of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, as well as other activities of interest to both institutions contemplated in the agreement.
The Minister of Energy and Mines, Antonio Almonte, highlighted that the mining project in Pedernales represents a unique opportunity to potentially produce critical minerals for the energy transition, which are greatly needed for the production of magnets.
“We have a very delicate responsibility, it is a process of exploration, evaluation and eventual exploitation,” said Almonte.
Satisfied
The Director of Customs, Eduardo Sanz Lovatón, expressed his satisfaction at being able to collaborate with a project that he described as essential for the future of the Dominican Republic.
“This agreement aims to improve the conditions for continuing to work on rare earth materials, so that you can collaborate with us and we can collaborate with you. The Customs laboratory is a tool for the country, and therefore for this ministry,” said Sanz.
About rare earths and their importance
Rare earths are a group of seventeen chemical elements with unique properties that are essential for modern technologies. Demand is projected for which there is no production capacity at the moment. The Customs Laboratory is a scientific facility designed to meet the needs of the DGA in its technical and control areas, which, in turn, assists the commercial, industrial and business community (exporters and importers).
