Flávio Bolsonaro proposal targets Rockbridge Network for rare earths deal

A campaign document belonging to Flávio Bolsonaro, a leading candidate in Brazil’s upcoming presidential election, proposed a rare earths supply chain designed to reduce China’s global dominance. The 22-page presentation, dated March 19, 2026, was drafted by Andre Marinho, an ally of the Bolsonaro family, and was pitched to the Rockbridge Network, a conservative donor group founded by J. D. Vance.

The proposal reportedly linked the development of a mineral supply chain stretching from Brazil to the United States with political support for Flávio Bolsonaro’s presidential campaign. While Marinho confirmed he authored the document, he stated it was “never shown to an American official and had nothing to do” with the official campaign.

Brazil holds an estimated 19% to 23% of the world’s rare earth reserves, minerals critical for electric vehicle batteries and defense systems. This comes amid significant American investment in the sector, such as USA Rare Earth’s $2.8 billion acquisition of the Serra Verde mine in Goias earlier this year. Currently, China controls approximately 60% of global mining and 90% of refining capacity for these materials.