Minas Gerais rare earth mining projects face suspension request

The Federal Public Ministry (MPF) has requested the suspension of environmental licensing for two rare earth mining projects in southern Minas Gerais: Colossus and Caldeira. The request seeks to halt the processes until the National Nuclear Safety Authority (ANSN) provides a definitive technical report regarding the potential presence of radioactive materials in the operations' waste and effluents.

The Colossus project is managed by Viridis Mineração in Poços de Caldas, while the Caldeira project is operated by Meteoric Caldeira Mineração in the Caldas region. Both projects have already received preliminary licenses from the State Foundation for the Environment (Feam).

While the MPF supports the urgency of the suspension, a final decision rests with the Federal Court. The mining companies have contested the need for a halt, stating they already possess assessments from nuclear authorities. This legal challenge comes as Viridis recently secured R$ 77.5 million in funding from the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) for a pilot research and processing plant.