Rare earths—17 essential minerals driving modern technology—are more valuable than ever. Now, the U.S. is setting its sights on a massive reserve in the Dominican Republic, a potential game-changer in the global tech and energy race
Rare Earths are emerging as the new gold. This group of 17 naturally occurring chemical elements has become highly sought after in today’s technology-driven economy, playing a critical role in the defense, aerospace, and medical sectors.
Rare earths are essential for manufacturing the chips and semiconductors that power smartphones, electric vehicles, and advanced battery systems.
Demand is expected to rise sharply in the coming years, making access to these resources increasingly strategic.
The United States, recognizing their importance, has been actively pursuing rare earth reserves — first in Ukraine, and now, reportedly, in the Dominican Republic.
During his official visit to Santo Domingo, newly appointed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s interest in securing rare earth supplies.
In meetings with Dominican President Luis Abinader and the country’s Foreign Minister, rare earth extraction was a key topic of discussion.
Developing Rare Earth Reserves in the Dominican Republic
Estimates suggest that the Dominican Republic may hold as much as 100 million tons of rare earth deposits. Given the country’s limited capacity to fully exploit these resources independently, a strategic partnership with a key ally like the United States could prove mutually beneficial.
“Our Army Corps of Engineers has already worked with you, under contract, to identify something that will be extremely important for the future of the world and the modern economy. We look forward to collaborating with you going forward,” said Secretary Rubio.
He further emphasized the geopolitical advantage of securing rare earths from a trusted partner: “A country that is a friend, an ally, within our hemisphere, and that has access to these resources—that is a major positive. I would rather see them here than in the hands of a country that is neither a friend nor an ally and is located on the other side of the planet.”
Rubio also highlighted the potential for technology transfer, envisioning the Dominican Republic as a future hub for semiconductor manufacturing. In response, the Dominican government has already established Empresa Minera Dominicana (EMIDOM), a state-owned entity dedicated to promoting mineral resource development. President Abinader appears open to deepening cooperation, describing the United States as the Dominican Republic’s ideal partner.
U.S. Interest in Ukraine’s Rare Earths
Beyond the Dominican Republic, Washington has also set its sights on Ukraine’s vast rare earth reserves. Former President Donald Trump, in an interview with Fox News, openly stated that he had conditioned U.S. military aid to Ukraine on securing access to these critical minerals.
“We’ve already sent Ukraine between $300 billion and $350 billion in aid, compared to just $100 billion from Europe,” Trump remarked. “I told them, we have to get something in return. We can’t keep paying this money without reciprocity.”
That “something” was Ukraine’s rare earth reserves. “I want the equivalent of $500 billion in rare earths, and they have basically agreed to it,” Trump asserted.
Just days prior, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signaled openness to such a deal, stating, “It’s about partnerships. Put your money in. Invest. Let’s develop together.”
Original article published on Money.it Italy 2025-02-11 22:11:00. Original title: Gli USA vogliono sfruttare le riserve di 100 milioni di tonnellate di terre rare scoperte nella Repubblica Dominicana
