# Brazil enacts critical minerals law amid geopolitical shifts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/efforts-to-diversify-rareearth-supply-and-counter-chinese-influence-gain-momentum-in-brazil-and-euro
> Updated: 2026-09-14T18:00:50.000Z. Sources: 289. Developments: 66.

Brazil is accelerating its critical minerals strategy to transition from a raw-material exporter to a high-value industrial hub. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has sanctioned the law establishing the National Policy for Critical and Strategic Minerals (PNMCE). This legislation creates a regulatory framework for the research, inspection, and strategic monitoring of minerals essential to the national economy, energy transition, and food security.

A central component of the law is the creation of the National Council for the Industrialization of Critical and Strategic Minerals (CIMCE). Linked directly to the Presidency of the Republic, the council operates independently from the National Mining Agency and holds the authority to approve or block corporate changes, asset sales, or international partnerships involving minerals deemed relevant to the country. The law categorizes minerals into critical minerals, which face supply chain risks, and strategic minerals, which are vital for technological development and trade surpluses.

While the policy provides a framework for domestic processing, the sector remains a focal point of geopolitical interest. A campaign document from Flávio Bolsonaro, a leading presidential candidate, reportedly proposed a rare earths supply chain stretching from Brazil to the United States to reduce China’s global dominance. The proposal was pitched to the Rockbridge Network, a conservative donor group. Although author Andre Marinho stated the document “never shown to an American official and had nothing to do” with the official campaign, it highlights the intersection of mineral security and political maneuvering.

Despite holding approximately 25% of the world’s rare earth reserves, Brazil’s production remains minimal. Industry leaders continue to seek commercial guarantees to compete with Chinese dominance in refining.

## Claims

- The Senate approved a loan of up to US$ 100 million from the IDB to fund programs for improving the business environment and competitiveness. (disputed by 6 sources)
- The Economic Affairs Commission authorized a loan of up to US$ 1 billion from the IDB for the Eco Invest Brasil program to mobilize green investments. (disputed)
- President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sanctioned the Redata law on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- The Redata program suspends federal taxes for five years on equipment used for data centers. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- President Lula sanctioned the National Policy for Critical and Strategic Minerals (PNMCE). (corroborated by 21 sources)
- The law creates a National Council for the Industrialization of Critical and Strategic Minerals (CIMCE) linked to the Presidency. (corroborated by 20 sources)
- Energy must be sourced from renewable or low-emission sources, including natural gas. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- President Lula sanctioned the Special Tax Regime for Data Center Services (Redata). (corroborated by 13 sources)
- The program prioritizes investments and development in the North, Northeast, and Central-West regions of Brazil. (corroborated by 12 sources)
- The legislation allows for a private guarantee fund with a ceiling of R$ 5 billion. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The law includes provisions for rare earth elements. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The Brazilian Senate is expected to vote on a bill regulating the exploration of critical minerals. (corroborated by 7 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-14: Brazil sanctions new laws for data centers and critical minerals

President Lula sanctioned new laws in Brazil: Redata provides tax incentives for data centers to boost AI and cloud infrastructure, while the PNMCE establishes a national policy for critical and strategicMiner'

60 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-sanctions-national-policy-for-critical-and-strategic-minerals

### 2026-09-13: Flávio Bolsonaro proposal targets Rockbridge Network for rare earths deal

A proposal drafted by a Bolsonaro ally pitched a Brazil-to-US rare earths supply chain to J. D. Vance’s Rockbridge Network, allegedly linking mineral strategy to Flávio Bolsonaro’s presidential campaign.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/flvio-bolsonaro-proposal-targets-rockbridge-network-for-rare-earths-deal

### 2026-09-12: Brazil critical minerals study outlines economic growth scenarios

A study suggests Brazil could see up to R$ 192.1 billion in GDP impact and 750,000 jobs by attracting foreign investment to process critical minerals and rare earths domestically.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-critical-minerals-study-outlines-economic-growth-scenarios

### 2026-09-09: Brazil advances new policy for critical minerals and rare earth processing

Brazil is implementing a new national policy to boost domestic processing of critical minerals like lithium and rare earths, though industry experts warn that price guarantees may be needed to compete with चीन.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-emerges-as-strategic-source-for-critical-minerals

### 2026-09-09: USA Rare Earth completes $2.8 billion acquisition of Brazil's Serra Verde

USA Rare Earth has finalized a $2.8 billion acquisition of Brazil's Serra Verde Group, securing critical rare-earth mineral production supported by $1.6 billion in U.S. government financing.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/usa-rare-earth-completes-28-billion-acquisition-of-brazils-serra-verde

### 2026-09-06: Brazil approves mineral policy to leverage massive rare earth reserves

Brazil seeks to leverage its position as the holder of the world's second-largest rare earth reserves by approving a new mineral policy featuring R$ 7 billion in incentives to boost domestic industrial value.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-approves-mineral-policy-to-leverage-massive-rare-earth-reserves

### 2026-09-02: Brazil mining firms report high-grade rare earth and niobium findings

Mining firms report breakthroughs in Brazil, with Brazilian Rare Earths confirming high-grade drilling results at Monte Alto and St George Mining advancing dual rare earth and niobium processing tests.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-mining-firms-report-high-grade-rare-earth-and-niobium-findings

### 2026-08-31: Critical minerals could add R$ 192 billion to Brazil's GDP by 2050

An Amcham Brasil study suggests Brazil's critical minerals sector could add R$ 192.1 billion to the GDP and create 750,000 jobs by 2050 through increased foreign investment and local processing.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/critical-minerals-could-add-r-192-billion-to-brazils-gdp-by-2050

### 2026-08-27: Brazil lacks capacity to produce rare earth magnets until 2032

Brazil will not be able to produce permanent magnets from its own rare earth minerals until at least 2032, leaving China's market dominance intact for the foreseeable future.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-lacks-capacity-to-produce-rare-earth-magnets-until-2032

### 2026-08-27: St George Mining partners with Brazil's Minas Gerais for rare earths centre

St George Mining, Lima & Pergher Group, and the State of Minas Gerais are collaborating to develop a rare earths processing centre in Brazil to build a domestic “mine-to-magnet” supply chain.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/st-george-mining-partners-with-brazils-minas-gerais-for-rare-earths-centre

### 2026-08-26: Brazil evaluates blocking USA Rare Earth deal for Serra Verde minerals

Brazil is evaluating ways to block or revise a deal between USA Rare Earth and Serra Verde, citing concerns over the export of 100% of initial rare earth production to the United States.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-evaluates-blocking-us-control-of-rare-earth-mining

### 2026-08-26: Brazil's Lula calls for regulation of critical minerals

President Lula da Silva is calling for the regulation of Brazil's critical minerals to protect national sovereignty as the Senate prepares to vote on a new policy and a 5 billion reais fund.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-lula-calls-for-regulation-of-critical-minerals

### 2026-08-26: Brazil targets mining growth through technology and infrastructure

Brazilian government official Pedro Guerra outlined strategies to bolster the mining sector via infrastructure, technological integration in the ANM, and improved regulatory processes at Exposibram 2026.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-targets-mining-growth-through-technology-and-infrastructure

### 2026-08-24: Serra Verde acquisition by USA Rare Earth sparks strategic debate in Brazil

USA Rare Earth is acquiring Brazil's Serra Verde mine in a US$ 2.8 billion deal supported by US government funding, amid Brazilian government concerns over resource sovereignty and new mineral policies.

29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-expands-restrictions-on-chinese-scientific-institutions

### 2026-08-20: Brazil emerges as strategic hub for rare earth and critical mineral exploration

Brazil is becoming a key hub for rare earth exploration, with foreign firms from the US, Australia, and Canada filing 42% of mining requests as the country seeks to leverage its massive mineral reserves.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-rare-earth-mining-sees-surge-in-foreign-investment

### 2026-08-18: Brazil rare earth exploration surges as foreign interest grows

Brazil is experiencing a surge in rare earth exploration, with 42% of applications coming from foreign firms as the US and allies seek to reduce dependence on Chinese mineral supplies.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-advances-rare-earth-mining-projects-to-supply-western-markets

### 2026-08-18: BNDES pushes Vale and Petrobras toward critical minerals

BNDES is pushing for Vale and Petrobras to expand into critical minerals like lithium and rare earths, while Vale evaluates these strategic opportunities for the energy transition.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bndes-pushes-vale-and-petrobras-toward-critical-minerals

### 2026-08-17: Brazil seeks to integrate regional critical mineral supply chains

Brazil is spearheading efforts to integrate critical mineral supply chains within Mercosul and Chile, aiming to increase regional value addition for the global energy transition.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-seeks-to-integrate-regional-critical-mineral-supply-chains

### 2026-08-13: Brazil approves Rare Earth Intelligence Center in Minas Gerais

Brazil has approved the creation of the Rare Earth Intelligence Center (Citar) in Minas Gerais to monitor environmental impacts and develop the strategic mineral production chain.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-approves-rare-earth-intelligence-center-in-minas-gerais

### 2026-08-12: Engineering drives new investment cycle in Brazilian mining

Increased investment in Brazilian mining is driving demand for multidisciplinary engineering to manage feasibility, safety, and environmental licensing for minerals essential to the global energy transition.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/engineering-drives-new-investment-cycle-in-brazilian-mining

### 2026-08-10: Brazil targets critical minerals leadership with new IDB-backed financing

Brazil is leveraging its massive rare earth and critical mineral reserves through new IDB-backed financing for green energy, business competitiveness, and industrial development.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/idb-studying-15-critical-mineral-projects-in-brazil

### 2026-07-30: Brazil's Rare‑Earth Push Attracts U.S. Strategic Interest

Brazil’s rare‑earth reserves are drawing U.S. interest, with a draft agreement framing the partnership as strategic for tech and defence, while Brazil cautions over sovereignty after a document mislabels the c‑

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-rareearth-push-attracts-us-strategic-interest

### 2026-07-23: Brazil’s Serra Verde rare‑earth project draws US and French investment

USA Rare Earth and France’s InfraVia each will take a 13.6% stake in Carester, linking Brazil’s Serra Verde rare‑earth mine with French processing and US magnet production to reduce China dependence.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-serra-verde-rareearth-project-draws-us-and-french-investment

### 2026-07-23: Brazil's Chamber Approves National Critical Minerals Policy

Brazil's Chamber approved a bill creating a R$2 bn fund and R$5 bn tax credits to boost domestic processing of critical minerals, now headed to the Senate.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-chamber-approves-national-critical-minerals-policy

### 2026-07-14: Brazil's 2025 critical mineral exports total $11.4 billion, EU accounts for 37% of trade

Brazil exported $11.4 bn of critical minerals in 2025; the EU bought $4.3 bn (37.6%). An ApexBrasil study points to investment and processing opportunities supported by EU policies and Brazilian finance tools.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-2025-critical-mineral-exports-total-114-billion-eu-accounts-for-37-of-trade

### 2026-07-14: Brazil's BNDES approves R$100 million for Piauí nickel processing project

BNDES approved a R$100 million loan to Piauí Níquel Metais, a Brazilian Nickel subsidiary, to fund equipment for processing nickel and cobalt into MHP, targeting 27 k t nickel and 900 t cobalt annually, with a

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-bndes-approves-r100-million-for-piau-nickel-processing-project

### 2026-07-13: Brazil opens uranium sector to private investors and launches nuclear agenda

Brazil plans to let private firms develop uranium projects with state firm INB and launches a nuclear agenda to boost industry, innovation and energy security.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-opens-uranium-sector-to-private-investors-and-launches-nuclear-agenda

### 2026-07-12: Brazil Holds Second-Largest Global Rare Earth Reserve and Plans Major Mining Investment

Brazil, home to the world’s second‑largest rare earth reserve, plans $76 billion in mining over five years as it seeks to boost production from the current 1% share.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-holds-second-largest-global-rare-earth-reserve-and-plans-major-mining-investment

### 2026-07-10: Brazil identified as untapped giant in global rare‑earth market

Brazil holds roughly a quarter of global rare‑earth reserves but extracts under 1%; analyst Philipe Moura calls it a “sleeping giant” needing long‑term investment and policy support to become a critical supply‑

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-identified-as-untapped-giant-in-global-rareearth-market

### 2026-07-10: Brazil's Lula pushes critical minerals policy to boost sovereignty

Brazil’s Lula convened ministers to advance a critical‑minerals law that would create a presidential council, a R$5 bn fund and export controls, aiming for financial and technological sovereignty amid internal‑

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-prioritizes-fertilizer-imports-while-debating-critical-minerals-policy

### 2026-07-09: Brazil advances mining regulation with gold plan consultation and iron ore CFEM rules

Brazil opens a public consultation on a draft plan to reduce mercury in artisanal gold mining, while the National Mining Agency issues a binding rule treating iron‑ore pelletisation as beneficiation, affecting

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-advances-mining-regulation-with-gold-plan-consultation-and-iron-ore-cfem-rules

### 2026-07-08: Meteoric Resources lifts Brazil Caldeira rare‑earth measured resources 246%

Meteoric Resources announced a 246% rise in measured resources at its Caldeira rare‑earth project in Brazil, now 128 Mt at 2,815 ppm TREO, boosting confidence for a feasibility study and attracting investment.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/meteoric-resources-lifts-brazil-caldeira-rareearth-measured-resources-246

### 2026-07-04: Brazil outlines rare‑earth strategy after new government‑backed study

Brazil’s CGEE released a study mapping rare‑earth reserves and urging a policy shift toward domestic processing, feeding Senate debates on a new critical minerals law.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-publishes-strategic-roadmap-for-rareearth-development

### 2026-07-04: Brazil launches strategic rare‑earths book outlining 2026‑2040 policy roadmap

Brazil’s CGEE released a book mapping rare‑earth reserves and outlining a 2026‑2040 industrial strategy, aiming to shape upcoming mineral policy legislation.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-launches-strategic-rareearths-book-outlining-20262040-policy-roadmap

### 2026-07-03: German Minister Wadephul Calls for Rapid Expansion of Rare Earths Fund

German FM Johann Wadephul demands a €1 bn boost to the rare‑earth fund to speed up extraction in Brazil and tap the new EU‑Mercosur trade pact, aiming to cut reliance on China.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-minister-wadephul-calls-for-rapid-expansion-of-rare-earths-fund

### 2026-07-03: Germany launches joint rare‑earth procurement plan with industry

German industry groups and the government are forming a joint procurement scheme and expanding a €1 billion rare‑earth fund to lessen reliance on China, focusing on Brazil’s critical mineral deposits.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-launches-joint-rareearth-procurement-plan-with-industry

### 2026-07-02: Brazil's BNDES aims to build critical minerals value chain

Brazil's BNDES, led by José Luis Gordon, is launching funds with Vale and Finep to develop a domestic critical‑minerals industry, aiming to shift from raw exports to value‑added production of batteries, EVs and

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-bndes-aims-to-build-critical-minerals-value-chain

### 2026-07-02: Brazil poised to become major rare‑earth supplier by 2040

A new CGEE study shows Brazil has enough rare‑earth reserves to become a key global supplier by 2040, but needs industrial capacity for refining and value‑added production.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-poised-to-become-major-rareearth-supplier-by-2040

### 2026-07-02: Brazil Mining Minister Alexandre Silveira launches sustainability framework and funds fight against illegal mining

Brazil’s mining minister Alexandre Silveira introduced a sustainability reference for the sector and secured R$20.3 M for Federal Police tools to combat illegal mining in Minas Gerais.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-mining-minister-alexandre-silveira-launches-sustainability-framework-and-funds-fight-against-

### 2026-06-30: Brazil Presses US on Tariffs While Accelerating Critical Minerals Strategy

Brazil vows to stay at the US tariff talks amid a July 15 deadline, while launching a national plan to boost its share of critical‑minerals production and a regional Mercosur roadmap.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-pushes-mining-growth-with-new-cavity-decree-and-foreign-investment-optimism

### 2026-06-29: Brazil's B3 launches rare‑earth ETF to give investors exposure to critical minerals

Brazil's B3 has launched the RARA11 ETF, managed by Investo, giving investors exposure to global rare‑earth and critical‑minerals firms amid rising demand for EVs, renewables and defense technologies.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-b3-launches-rareearth-etf-to-give-investors-exposure-to-critical-minerals

### 2026-06-24: EU and Brazil move toward critical minerals partnership

The EU and Brazil are nearing a critical‑minerals pact that would fund local refining and value‑added processing, offering a deal the EU claims is more beneficial than US or Chinese proposals.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-and-brazil-move-toward-critical-minerals-partnership

### 2026-06-23: Brazil‑EU Forum Advances Critical Minerals and Energy Transition

At the Brazil‑EU Investment Forum in Brasília, leaders discussed boosting European financing for Brazil’s critical‑minerals and rare‑earth processing, enhancing the MERCOSUR‑EU trade link and supporting the能源转型

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazileu-forum-advances-critical-minerals-and-energy-transition

### 2026-06-22: Brazil's BNDES Launches R$140 bn Industry Fund and Petrobras Critical Minerals Partnership

BNDES teamed with Petrobras to develop critical‑minerals technology and announced a R$140 bn industry fund, boosting Brazil's strategic sectors through 2026.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-bndes-launches-r140-bn-industry-fund-and-petrobras-critical-minerals-partnership

### 2026-06-22: Brazil advances critical minerals strategy with BNDES‑Petrobras partnership and powershoring push

BNDES and Petrobras ink a partnership to develop Brazil's critical mineral sector, while the CNI proposes a powershoring strategy to align industry with low‑carbon goals, urging policy and financing support.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-advances-critical-minerals-strategy-with-bndespetrobras-partnership-and-powershoring-push

### 2026-06-22: EU and Brazil deepen partnership on rare‑earth mining

The EU proposes a partnership with Brazil to invest in rare‑earth processing, upgrade Viridis’s pilot plant and create a sustainable, value‑added supply chain for critical minerals.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-and-brazil-forge-rareearth-partnership-to-boost-local-processing

### 2026-06-19: Brazil eyes rare‑earth boom as global demand surges

Brazil, with the second‑largest rare‑earth reserves, aims to boost production from <1 % to ~10 % of global supply within a two‑year window, needing processing upgrades, financing and policy support.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-aims-to-boost-rare-earth-output-to-near-10-of-global-supply

### 2026-06-18: St. George Mining raises R$215 million for Brazil’s Araxá rare‑earth project

St. George Mining secured about R$215 million to advance the Araxá rare‑earth and niobium project in Brazil’s Alto Paranaíba region.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/st-george-mining-raises-r215-million-for-brazils-arax-rareearth-project

### 2026-06-12: Brazil government authorizes 55 new staff for the National Mining Agency

Brazil's Ministry of Management and Innovation approved 55 new hires for the National Mining Agency, contingent on vacancies and budget, amid funding cuts and an expanding role in critical minerals regulation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-government-authorizes-55-new-staff-for-the-national-mining-agency

### 2026-06-10: Brazil's Rare Earth Permit Surge Highlights Underused Critical Mineral Reserves

ANM logged 401 rare‑earth permit requests by June 2026, reflecting a rapid surge after 2023, while a study shows Brazil’s vast critical‑mineral reserves remain underexploited, with production lagging behind peers despite rising investment.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-rare-earth-permit-surge-highlights-underused-critical-mineral-reserves

### 2026-06-10: Brazil's mining regulator faces budget cut amid push for critical mineral policy

Brazil’s mining leaders stress the sector’s role in the energy transition while confronting a R$22 million budget freeze that threatens the regulator’s capacity to manage critical‑mineral projects.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-mining-regulator-faces-budget-cut-amid-push-for-critical-mineral-policy

### 2026-06-09: US and EU Race to Secure Brazil's Rare Earth Supply

The US DFC plans to fund Brazil's critical‑minerals projects while the EU speeds talks after a US firm bought Brazil's only rare‑earth mine, highlighting a tug‑of‑war for supply‑chain security.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-and-eu-compete-for-brazils-rare-earths-supply

### 2026-06-09: Brazil pushes critical minerals agenda with new law and green credit program

Brazil's new critical minerals law faces regulatory concerns while the Ecoinvest green credit program seeks to fund domestic mineral projects.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-pushes-critical-minerals-agenda-with-new-law-and-green-credit-program

### 2026-06-08: Brazil's Chamber of Deputies authorizes urgency for dozens of bills

Brazil's Chamber fast‑tracked 18 bills across health, labor and culture, gave urgency to a mining law easing small‑scale extraction, and warned that a new critical‑minerals act still lacks supporting infra­str

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-chamber-of-deputies-authorizes-urgency-for-dozens-of-bills

### 2026-06-07: Brazil sees surge in mining mergers as US and Europe seek critical minerals

M&A in Brazil's mining sector spikes as US and European firms buy rare‑earth assets to reduce China dependence; deals include USA Rare Earth’s $2.8 bn Serra Verde purchase and Rio Tinto’s $6.7 bn Arcadium deal.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-sees-surge-in-mining-mergers-as-us-and-europe-seek-critical-minerals

### 2026-06-05: Brazil's Chamber Approves Urgent Bill to Revise Mining Rules

Brazil's Chamber granted urgency to PL 957/24, overhauling the Mining Code to speed permits, broaden small‑scale mining, and shift authority to the ANM, while drawing environmental criticism.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-chamber-approves-urgent-bill-to-revise-mining-rules

### 2026-06-04: Brazil expands rare‑earth projects with promising leach results and new exploration permits

Brazilian Critical Minerals reports strong leach results at Ema, while Magnum Mining adds 14 exploration permits around its Piracanjuba rare‑earth discovery, expanding landholdings and drilling programs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-expands-rareearth-projects-with-promising-leach-results-and-new-exploration-permits

### 2026-06-02: Brazil moves to reshape critical minerals policy and mining regulations

Brazil's Senate and Chamber are advancing a national critical minerals policy and mining‑law overhaul to boost domestic processing and redefine mining rules amid global competition for rare earths.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-advances-critical-mineral-strategy-and-fasttracks-mining-law-reforms

### 2026-05-25: Brazil opens critical‑minerals sector to foreign investors under sovereignty rules

Brazil's Finance Minister Dario Durigan says foreign investors are welcome in the critical‑minerals sector if they respect sovereignty, as part of the Eco Invest programme to boost domestic value chains.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-opens-criticalminerals-sector-to-foreign-investors-under-sovereignty-rules

### 2026-05-25: Brazil's Eco Invest auction aims to mobilise up to R$50 bn for green innovation

Brazil launches its 5th Eco Invest auction, seeking up to R$50 bn to fund green fuels, AI, batteries, and other sustainable tech, aiming to boost resilience amid global energy tensions.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-eco-invest-auction-aims-to-mobilise-up-to-r50-bn-for-green-innovation

### 2026-05-23: Brazil's Lula announces council and sovereign fund to develop rare‑earth sector

Brazil's Lula creates a presidential council and sovereign fund to industrialise rare‑earths, aiming to keep profits domestic and boost strategic independence.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-lula-announces-council-and-sovereign-fund-to-develop-rareearth-sector

### 2026-05-17: Brazil, US pledge deeper economic ties at New York industry forum

Brazil and US leaders met in New York to boost trade in rare earths, AI and infrastructure, amid broader uncertainty over US foreign policy.

66 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-us-pledge-deeper-economic-ties-at-new-york-industry-forum

### 2026-05-14: Brazilian Rare‑Earth Exploration Advances as Companies Navigate Project Stoppages

Brazil's rare‑earth projects move forward despite Belo Sun Mining's stoppages, with Canamera drilling in Rio Grande do Sul.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-rareearth-exploration-advances-as-companies-navigate-project-stoppages

### 2026-05-13: Brazil emerges as key supplier of critical minerals as firms chase net‑zero by 2030

Brazil’s vast critical‑mineral reserves and new supply‑chain rules make it pivotal for the net‑zero transition, while firms like Dinâmica target 2030 carbon‑ne​

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-emerges-as-key-supplier-of-critical-minerals-as-firms-chase-netzero-by-2030

### 2026-05-10: Brazil's auto sector faces Chinese competition and rare‑earth policy debate

China's auto and rare‑earth influence challenges Brazil's industry, prompting policy debates.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-auto-sector-faces-chinese-competition-and-rareearth-policy-debate

### 2026-04-20: USA Rare Earth acquires Serra Verde mine in Brazil for $2.8 billion

US Rare Earth buys Serra Verde mine in Brazil for $2.8B to diversify rare earth supply.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/usa-rare-earth-acquires-serra-verde-mine-in-brazil-for-28-billion

---
Cite as: Brazil enacts critical minerals law amid geopolitical shifts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/efforts-to-diversify-rareearth-supply-and-counter-chinese-influence-gain-momentum-in-brazil-and-euro