# Dominican Republic and EU join forces to study rare earths in Pedernales

Canonical-URL: https://turismo.news/en/digest/rare-earths-pedernales-dr-eu
Text-Version: https://turismo.news/en/digest/rare-earths-pedernales-dr-eu.txt
Markdown-Version: https://turismo.news/en/digest/rare-earths-pedernales-dr-eu.md
Language: en
Published: 2026-09-07T12:16:40.114Z
Modified: 2026-09-07T12:16:40.114Z
Author: Joan Sanz
Topics: Investment & M&A
Summary: The Dominican government and the European Union will explore rare earth elements in Pedernales. A chance to diversify the economy beyond tourism.

## Article

The Dominican government and the **European Union** have signed a Joint Declaration to promote scientific studies aimed at characterizing and evaluating the potential of **rare earth elements, gallium and other minerals** in Pedernales, as reported by [Dominican Today](https://dominicantoday.com/dominican-republic-and-eu-sign-agreement-to-study-rare-earth-elements-in-pedernales/).

This goes beyond geology. Pedernales is the state's big tourism bet with Cabo Rojo, and now another layer opens: **mining critical minerals** for Europe's energy transition. If studies confirm viable reserves, the area could attract foreign direct investment and generate tax revenue to fund tourism infrastructure. The agreement is also a sign of EU confidence in the country as a strategic partner.

Mind you, this doesn't turn Pedernales into a mining enclave. Tourism and mining can coexist if extraction follows strict environmental standards. What today is a study may tomorrow become a **new source of state income** and local employment. Worth following the results closely, because if there's substance, the deep south of the DR will gain a double economic engine.

## Sources

- Dominican Today: https://dominicantoday.com/dominican-republic-and-eu-sign-agreement-to-study-rare-earth-elements-in-pedernales/

## Citation

Dominican Republic and EU join forces to study rare earths in Pedernales. Turismo News. 2026-09-07. https://turismo.news/en/digest/rare-earths-pedernales-dr-eu