Meanwhile, Resouro Strategic Minerals, with its titanium- and rare earth-rich Tiros project in Minas Gerais, signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Rare Earth Technologies (RETI) in Cincinnati for refining tests on Brazilian ore. The phased agreement covers sampling, pre-feasibility integration, and potential joint venture formation to establish an industrial-scale refining plant in Campos Altos, potentially allowing gradual technology transfer and local industry development. The Tiros deposit is among the largest rare earth surface discoveries in Brazil, with notable homogeneity and high-grade ore.
Concurrently, the Canadian Origen Resources explores ionic adsorption clays in Piauí, focusing on environmentally lower-impact extraction of heavy rare earths. This project complements national efforts to diversify supply chains, reduce geopolitical risks from China’s near-monopoly on processing (90% of global refining), and bolster Brazil’s role as a strategic mineral supplier. U.S. government-backed financings for Brazilian players like Aclara and Serra Verde underscore Washington’s push to secure alternative rare earth sources outside China, though these deals may affect Brazil’s bargaining power in negotiating future bilateral agreements.
Collectively, these developments signal growing integration between Brazilian resource potential and North American technological and financing capacity, setting the stage for Brazil’s enhanced role in the global rare earth supply chain.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
