Rare Earth Elements in Brazil
Australian mining companies are acquiring mining rights in Brazilian towns to extract rare earth elements, causing concern among local communities.
The towns of Poços de Caldas and Caldas in the state of Minas Gerais have significant deposits of these elements, crucial for energy transition technologies and the military industry.
“nobody will lay hands on” Brazilian minerals
was stated by President Lula da Silva, in a message seen as directed at American President Donald Trump.
- Two Australian companies have bought dozens of mining rights.
- Local communities are worried about environmental threats.
- Rare earth elements are central to trade disputes involving the US, China, and Brazil.
Author's summary: Australian mining companies invest in Brazil's rare earth elements.