The Dominican Republic has identified rare earth deposits that could position the Caribbean nation as a significant future supplier of minerals critical to high-tech industries, President Luis Abinader said on Friday. Preliminary studies indicate gross deposits exceeding 150 million tons of rare earth elements, comprising 17 metals that can be used in semiconductors, aerospace applications, and military equipment, according to a government statement. During his annual State of the Nation address to Congress, Abinader set a goal to finish assessing mineral deposits this year and certify reserves by early next year, a necessary step for large-scale extraction and refining.