European Union Seeks Rare Earths in Brazil to Reduce Dependence on China

The European Union (EU) is considering investing in critical minerals and rare earth exploration in Brazil as part of its strategy to reduce dependence on China for these resources, which are essential to the energy transition. A European delegation led by Jozef Síkela, the EU commissioner for international partnerships, arrives in São Paulo on Thursday (18) to discuss the issue.

Of nine Brazilian projects initially assessed, four were selected to move forward with negotiations: a nickel refinery controlled by Australian company Jervois in São Miguel Paulista, São Paulo state, already classified as strategic by the EU; a rare earth project by Australian company Viridis in Poços de Caldas, Minas Gerais; a cobalt exploration company in Piauí, in the Northeast; and a lithium project in Minas Gerais.

Brazil’s requirement is that the projects include processing and development of domestic industry, while Europeans want the continent to be the destination for the products.

According to bloc officials interviewed by Folha, the goal is to conclude the trip with a protocol or memorandum of understanding signed with Brazil.

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