Dominican Republic, EU sign joint declaration to study rare earths in Pedernales

The Dominican Republic and the EU agreed to jointly promote characterization and evaluation studies of rare earths, gallium, and scandium in karst bauxite deposits in Pedernales, emphasizing sustainability. This marks a formal bilateral step toward diversifying critical mineral supply chains, though it is an initial declaration with no concrete timeline or investment commitments. The move aligns with EU efforts to secure non-Chinese sources of critical minerals.