Brazil approves Rare Earth Intelligence Center in Minas Gerais

The Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) has approved the creation of the Rare Earth Intelligence Center (Citar) in Poços de Caldas, located in the southern region of Minas Gerais. The center will be managed jointly by the Federal Institute of South Minas (IFSULDEMINAS) and the Federal University of Alfenas (Unifal-MG).

Citar will operate under two primary pillars: socio-environmental monitoring and the scientific development of the rare earth production chain. These minerals are considered strategic for high-technology industries, including electric vehicles, wind turbines, mobile devices, and defense equipment. The initiative aims to support national sovereignty and the energy transition while providing technical data to assist public policy decisions.

The announcement follows a federal report being prepared by an interministerial committee, including Ibama, which evaluated the impacts of mining activities in the municipalities of Poços de Caldas, Caldas, and Andradas. The center is expected to function autonomously to provide technical subsidies for government decision-making.