Brazil Holds World's Second-Largest Rare Earth Reserves

Brazil possesses the second-largest reserve of rare earth elements in the world but produces only about 1% of global output [1, 2].

This disparity highlights a significant gap between the country's natural resource wealth and its industrial capacity. As global demand for these minerals grows to support green technology and electronics, Brazil's inability to extract its reserves limits its influence in the global supply chain.

The lack of production is tied largely to a lack of data. Only about 40% of the Brazilian subsoil has been mapped for these specific minerals [1, 2]. Without comprehensive mapping, the country cannot effectively identify the most viable sites for large-scale extraction.

Beyond mapping, the country faces steep technological and industrial hurdles. Developing the infrastructure required to refine rare earth elements is complex and requires specialized expertise that is currently lacking in the domestic sector [1, 2]. These barriers prevent the nation from converting its geological advantage into economic output.

Rare earth elements are critical components in the manufacturing of smartphones, electric vehicle batteries, and wind turbines. While Brazil has the raw materials to become a primary global supplier, the current output remains negligible compared to its total reserves [1, 2].

Efforts to increase production would require significant investment in geological surveying and processing technology. Until the remaining 60% of the subsoil is mapped, the full scale of the country's potential remains unknown [1, 2].