Brazil’s rare earths: Benefits and challenges
The country has the world’s second-largest reserves of critical minerals used to produce magnets essential to electric vehicles and wind turbines. The post Brazil’s rare earths: Benefits and challenges appeared first on ANBA News Agency .
Brazil possesses significant rare earth reserves, ranking second globally after China. These minerals, essential for various modern technologies, are also a source of geopolitical tension. The Brazilian Geological Survey (SGB) estimates the country holds 11.4 million metric tons of rare earth reserves, while the United States Geological Survey (USGS) puts China's reserves at 44 million metric tons.
Despite the importance of rare earths, their extraction and processing require substantial investment and technical expertise. Brazil's main rare earth deposits are found in ion-adsorption clays, which facilitate easier extraction. The country's favorable regulatory framework and scientific capabilities present a favorable environment for advancing its mineral supply chain.
However, the challenge lies in converting these resources into higher-value products, such as refined minerals and magnets, as China dominates global refining capacity. Serra Verde Mining Brazil, located in Goiás, aims to process up to 6,400 metric tons of rare earth oxides annually by 2027. The company has secured an off-take agreement with U.S. government agencies and private investors, ensuring a minimum price for its production.
As demand for rare earths grows, concerns over supply security persist due to China's dominance in both mining and downstream processing.
Written by urgent.news from ANBA News Agency's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
