United States Interest in Rare Earths

Rare Earths They have gained prominence in international discussions, especially in relation to Brazil, which possesses the world's second-largest reserves of these essential resources.

The growing demand from the United States for rare earth reserves in the country has driven mineral exploration, raising crucial questions about how Brazil should manage its resources.

This article explores current mining operations in Brazil, the challenges faced by the sector, strategies recommended by experts, and China's impactful dominance in the global market.

Furthermore, we will analyze the investments planned until 2029 and the future implications for the Brazilian rare earth industry.

US Strategic Interest in Brazilian Rare Earth Reserves

Since mid 2025, the United States' interest in the reserves of Brazilian rare earths It has emerged as a geopolitical priority.

This change is due to global dependence on China, which controls 70% of production and 85% of rare earth refining worldwide.

Brazil, holder of second largest reserve in the world, it finds itself in a unique strategic position.

The American interest is justified, since Brazil possesses 12 authorized mining sites and about 186 They are still under review.

This number is significant and demonstrates the sector's growth potential in the country.

In particular, Serra Verde Mineração is already in operation, with expectations of reaching an annual production of 5 thousand tons of rare earth oxides.

Furthermore, Australian projects such as Boiler Colossus and the Colossus advance in exploration.

For Brazil, the decision between export raw materials Investing in in-house refining is crucial.

Experts recommend prioritizing the national extraction while the country develops its processing technology.

Factors such as regulatory uncertainty And the need to allocate investments in research further limits progress.

However, the destination of 3,2% from investments to 2029 for rare earth elements, approximately US$1.2 billionThis could be the necessary boost for Brazil to consolidate its position in the global market.

Exploration Operations and Projects in Brazilian Soil

Exploration operations and projects in Brazil have gained prominence, especially in the rare earth sector, where Brazil possesses the second largest reserves in the world.

Serra Verde Mineração, currently in operation, is projected to produce 5,000 tons of rare earth oxides annually, positioning itself as a major player in the industry.

Furthermore, the Australian projects Caldeira and Colossus are progressing in exploration, which could further influence the competitive landscape of this market.

Serra Verde Mining

A Serra Verde Mining It is currently fully operational in Minaçu, Goiás.

Launched in 2022, its activities are already demonstrating a significant impact on the region.

Having an instance of relevant Economic development in both the local and national sectors, the company has an ambitious goal of achieving the production of 5,000 tons per year of rare earth oxide concentrate.

With strong technological and logistical support, the operation hopes not only to meet domestic demand, but also to gain a foothold in the international market.

The strategic location in Goiás favors the flow of goods and logistics, consolidating its importance in Brazil's economic chain.

As a unique player in the rare earth market, Serra Verde plays a decisive role in the industrial advancement of Brazil.

Australian projects Caldeira and Colossus

The projects Boiler It is ColossusProjects, led by Australian companies, are in advanced stages of rare earth exploration in Brazil.

In the case of Boiler projectMeteoric Resources has already secured significant progress in exploration rights.

At the same time, the Project Colossus, through Viridis, envisions obtaining environmental licenses on a strict schedule.

Environmental licensing, as reported by Copam, is a vital step that directly impacts the schedule of Estimated production for the coming years.

The expectation is that large-scale production will begin for both projects in the coming years, highlighting the strategic interest in Brazil to boost the rare earth industry.

Dilemma: Export Raw Materials or Refine Domestically

Brazil faces a crucial dilemma between exporting raw rare earth materials and investing in domestic refining to add value.

The absence of advanced technology and regulatory uncertainties They complicate the choice.

Experts suggest that priority should be given to extraction, while we develop the technological capacity necessary for processing.

China's dominance, responsible for 70% of global production and 85% of global refining, puts pressure on Brazil to strategically position itself in the market.

The situation calls for a urgent alignment public policies and investments so that the country can strengthen its competitiveness.

According to the Brazilian government, agreements with the US are conditional on the transfer of technology and its processing within the national territory, as described in... CNN Brazil.

Therefore, the strategy must balance immediate market opportunities with the urgent need to advance in the rare earth value chain.

Brazil versus Chinese Dominance in the Global Supply Chain

Chinese dominance in the rare earth sector is profoundly influential, with 70% of production and 85% of global refining.

This hegemony creates significant challenges for Brazil, which holds less than 1% of world production and almost no refining capacity.

The following table illustrates this discrepancy:

This predominance The Chinese company is conditioning Brazil's entry into the country by limiting its ability to compete on price and control the market.

However, strategies are emerging for Brazil to improve its position, such as investing in the development of its own refining technologies and seeking international strategic alliances.

Furthermore, improving regulations and public policies can attract more local and foreign investment.

For example, according to studies, investments in the rare earth value chain represent 3.2% of planned mineral investments in Brazil until 2029, totaling approximately US$$ 2.2 billion to boost the sector.More information.

Investment Outlook to 2029

The investments planned for the Brazilian mining sector until 2029 allocate 3,2% of the total for rare earths, which represents approximately US$1.2 billion in the country, according to estimates from the Brazilian Mining Institute.

This amount reflects the growing interest in positioning Brazil as a relevant player in this strategic market.

With the second largest reserve of rare earth elements in the world, the country has vast potential to develop a production chain that goes beyond simple extraction.

This includes technological advancements and in-house refining capabilities. essential factors to increase added value and competitiveness in the international arena.

China, which dominates global production and refining, serves as a model of how sound investments can secure a leading position.

Therefore, aligning public policies to foster technological development in Brazil is essential. extreme importance to maximize the economic and strategic benefits of rare earth elements.

Rare Earths These are fundamental to Brazil's economic future, requiring a strategic approach that balances extraction with technological development.

With significant investments planned, it is crucial that Brazil capitalizes on its reserves to secure its position in the global market.