The United States has poured more than $1 billion into critical minerals investments across Latin America since January 2025, signalling a more assertive effort by Washington to secure supplies of lithium, copper and rare earths vital to energy, defence and advanced technology.

A PINK WAREHOUSE in Brazil’s north-east may help the world out of a tight geopolitical bind. Hidden inside a research park in the state of Bahia, the facility is run by Brazilian Rare Earths (BRE), a mining firm. It is building one of Latin America’s first separation plants for the eponymous minerals, a cluster of 17 elements needed for manufacturing everything from missiles to microwaves. Western countries anxiously await new supply, eager to reduce reliance on China, which controls 70% of mining and 90% of processing.

ASX-listed mine project developer Brazilian Rare Earths (BRE) foresees an emergence of a formalized “western” rare earths market price to complement the Chinese price, which currently dominates the market, particularly in Asia, said company CEO Bernardo da Veiga.

Brazil’s rare earths sector is gaining momentum, with key industry players outlining the country’s potential to become a vital player in the global energy transition.

During the Brazil Lithium and Critical Minerals Summit held in Belo Horizonte June 4-5, discussions highlighted Brazil’s abundant resources and the need for strategic partnerships to explore potential reserves and ensure energy security.