At least 18 foreign companies pursue rare earth projects in Brazil

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  At least 18 international companies have mining applications to research or exploit rare earths in Brazil.

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  Their projects represent more than US$3.5 billion in investments already made or early estimates for development.

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  Australia accounts for at least 11 of the 18 companies, while Canada and the United States have three each.

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  The latest major deal was Lynas’s announced purchase of Australian company Meteoric Resources for R$3.5 billion to develop rare earths in southern Minas Gerais.

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  International interest reflects efforts to secure rare earth supplies outside China, the global leader in extraction and processing.

Who

At least 18 international companies, including Lynas, Meteoric Resources and USA Rare Earth.

What

The companies have mining applications to research or exploit rare earths in Brazil. Their projects total more than US$3.5 billion in investment and early estimates.

When

The article was published on October 11, 2026; the Lynas-Meteoric deal was announced at the end of September.

Where

Brazil, including projects in Minas Gerais and Goiás.

Why

Companies are seeking rare earth supplies outside China. The Brazilian government also wants more processing and industrial production to take place in Brazil.

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