Brazil and the U.S. are resuming collaboration on critical mineral exploration, targeting areas rich in rare earth elements, lithium, tin, and cassiterite. Despite an initial suspension, the agreement has continued due to a Supreme Court ruling. The partnership emphasizes scientific cooperation and aims to establish Brazil as a significant producer of rare earths.
Brazil and the United States are resuming joint explorations to find critical minerals within Brazil, following a signed agreement last year. Initially, the studies aimed to focus on four states: Minas Gerais, Goiás, and a region that includes Rio Grande do Norte and Paraíba. The minerals of interest include rare earth elements, lithium, tin, and cassiterite, with sample collection already commenced last year.
In January, Brazilian officials learned from the U.S. Department of State about a suspension of cooperation by the Trump administration. However, in early March, a shift occurred as the U.S. government announced it would continue with the agreement due to a Supreme Court ruling necessitating the completion of ongoing agreements. Francisco Valdir Silveira from the Geological Survey of Brazil confirmed this development.
According to Mr. Silveira, the agreement’s continuation was justified because it had already been signed, funding allocated, and consulting services contracted with Deloitte. Brazil received news of the cooperation’s renewal during a meeting with U.S. representatives at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC 2025) Annual Convention.
Critical minerals are crucial for various technologies, including electric vehicle batteries, mobile phones, and military applications. Mr. Silveira emphasized Brazil’s potential as a global leader in rare earth production, an area where China currently holds a dominant position. The Biden administration has prioritized securing access to critical mineral resources globally to reduce reliance on China.
The partnership remains a pilot project, with three target regions designated for initial research conducted by U.S. Geological Survey specialists alongside the SGB. One prominent area of focus is the Seridó/Borborema region, where activities include sample collection and geological surveys, particularly for lithium and tantalum, with further investigations planned.
The Alto Paranaíba region in Minas Gerais is identified for rare earth elements, while Goiás is targeted for tin, rare earths, and cassiterite. Alongside fieldwork, the agreement encompasses training for three SGB geophysicists by the U.S. Geological Survey and five scholarships for Brazilian researchers to study comparable geological deposits in Finland.
This collaboration emerged after a previous visit to Brazil by Geoffrey Pyatt, former U.S. Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources. Although U.S. funding is under $1 million, the key benefits lie in the scientific cooperation and foundational steps towards larger projects. Mr. Silveira noted the agreement focuses on fostering a scientific partnership rather than immediate financial gains.
In summary, Brazil and the United States are reinstating their cooperation to explore critical minerals crucial for the technology sector. The strategic significance of this partnership lies not only in the potential for Brazil to emerge as a leader in the rare earth market but also in fostering scientific collaboration. Despite limited funding, the agreement lays the groundwork for future endeavors. The ongoing research focuses on vital regions, underscoring the commitment to strengthen resource security and technological advancements in both nations.
Original Source: valorinternational.globo.com
