Amid a global race to secure rare earths for everything from smartphones to green technologies, Brazil is emerging as a potential alternative to dependence on China, according to an analysis of mining license data by the Associated Press and nonprofit organization Reporter Brasil.
Brazil, which holds the world's second-largest rare earth reserves, is drawing increasing attention from US and Australian companies as Washington and its allies seek to diversify strategic supply chains and reduce reliance on Beijing—currently accounting for about 60% of global rare earth production.
The analysis shows the number of exploration and mining licenses for critical minerals in Brazil has surged in recent years, largely concentrated in resource-rich areas such as Minas Gerais, Bahia, and the Amazon region. However, this rise in mining activity is raising concerns about environmental impacts, particularly risks of deforestation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss in sensitive areas.
Environmental activists and local communities warn that expanding rare earth mining could lead to severe consequences without strict management measures. They urge the Brazilian government to establish clear sustainability standards and strengthen oversight before issuing more mining permits.
The Brazilian government has emphasized its commitment to balancing economic development and environmental protection, pledging to adopt responsible mining regulations to mitigate negative impacts. With growing demand for rare earths for clean technologies like electric vehicles and wind turbines, Brazil is seen as a crucial player in US and Australian resource security strategies for decades to come.
