EU and Brazil deepen partnership on rare‑earth mining

The European Union is seeking a strategic partnership with Brazil to develop a supply chain for critical minerals, especially rare‑earth elements. During a visit to Minas Gerais, EU International Partnerships Commissioner Jozef Síkela highlighted the EU’s proposal to invest in local processing, technology transfer and sustainable mining practices, aiming to move Brazil beyond low‑margin raw‑material exports.

A pilot project run by Viridis Mining & Minerals in Poços de Caldas is central to the plan. The facility can process 100 kg of ore per hour and is slated for a $360 million upgrade that would allow the production of up to 15 000 tonnes of mixed‑rare‑earth carbonate a year from 2028. The EU intends to support the project with financing, price‑floor mechanisms and risk‑mitigation instruments, while encouraging private‑sector investment.

The initiative aligns with Brazil’s own ambitions to become a leader in the “green” mineral market, leveraging its large reserves of rare earths, lithium and nickel for low‑carbon steel and renewable‑energy technologies. Brazilian officials stress that local refining and value‑added processing are crucial for job creation, technology development and greater economic returns.

Overall, the partnership aims to diversify Europe’s supply away from China, strengthen Brazil’s industrial base and promote environmentally‑responsible extraction and processing of critical minerals.