Brazil and U.S. Renew Strategic Partnership for Critical Minerals Exploration
The United States and Brazil have resumed joint exploration of critical minerals after an initial suspension. The collaboration focuses on four Brazilian states and key minerals, including lithium and rare earth elements. Both countries view the partnership as crucial for economic security and scientific collaboration, with plans for further research and training initiatives.
Brazil and the United States have announced a revival of their joint efforts to explore critical minerals in Brazil, following a prior suspension in cooperation. The agreement aims at conducting research in four Brazilian states: Minas Gerais, Goiás, Rio Grande do Norte, and Paraíba, focusing on key minerals like rare earth elements, lithium, and tin.
The U.S. Department of State had initially informed Brazilian authorities in January of the suspension. However, in March, a U.S. delegation confirmed the continuation of the agreement, citing the necessity to complete existing commitments as ruled by the U.S. Supreme Court, according to Francisco Valdir Silveira, director of Geology and Mineral Resources at the Geological Survey of Brazil (SGB).
The ongoing partnership, formalized during the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC 2025) Annual Convention in early March, is recognized for its strategic importance. Critical minerals are fundamental to industries such as electric vehicles, telecommunications, and military technologies, making them vital for economic security.
Mr. Silveira emphasized Brazil’s considerable potential in the rare earth elements market, historically dominated by China. The U.S. has sought partnerships internationally to secure access to critical minerals in light of shifting geopolitical priorities. Brazil’s cooperation endeavor remains a pilot project, targeting specific regions with the collaboration of the U.S. Geological Survey.
Research efforts will focus on three key areas: the Seridó/Borborema region, where lithium and other minerals are being explored; the Alto Paranaíba region in Minas Gerais for rare earths; and the tin province of Goiás targeting cassiterite and tin reserves. Furthermore, the U.S. Geological Survey will provide training for Brazilian geophysicists and funding for scholarships for Brazilian researchers in Finland.
Despite the modest financial commitment of under $1 million by the U.S., the partnership is perceived as fundamentally beneficial for scientific collaboration and the foundation for prospective larger initiatives. Mr. Silveira articulated that establishing this scientific cooperation is pivotal for advancing to more extensive projects.
In summary, the renewed cooperation between Brazil and the United States marks a significant step in the exploration of critical minerals, vital for various industries. This partnership emphasizes scientific collaboration, with potential long-term implications for production capacity and economic independence from dominant suppliers like China. Strategic minerals exploration will proceed in key regions with targeted objectives and training initiatives for Brazilian geophysicists, ensuring a framework for future advancements.
Original Source: valorinternational.globo.com
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