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Discovery of rare earths in southern Minas Gerais could transform Brazil into a global power: The hidden treasure in the volcanic complex that is drawing the world's attention

Written by Caio Aviz
Published 26/11/2024 ร s 10:05
Aerial view of an open-pit mining site with red earth, showing roads and excavation machinery in operation, surrounded by vegetation and hills in the background. Source: Cabo Verde Mineraรงรฃo.
Image of Cabo Mineraรงรฃo's Catumbi Mine on the border of the municipalities of Muzambinho and Cabo Verde in Minas Gerais, where a rare earth deposit was discovered. Source: Cabo Verde Mineraรงรฃo

A discovery that could change Brazil

A Cape Verde Mining, through its subsidiary COPEM, announced a promising and unprecedented discovery. Surprisingly, the deposits of Rare Earths, associated with iron ore, were found on the edges of the Poรงos de Caldas Volcanic Complex, something that had never been recorded before. This discovery was possible thanks to chemical analyses, geological research and advanced geophysical studies, which indicated the presence of hydrothermal corridors.

Why are rare earths so strategic?

Undoubtedly, the Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are indispensable for modern technologies. For example, they are used in electric vehicles, wind turbines and electronic devices. In addition, they are essential for the global energy transition, which depends on more sustainable solutions. So it is clear why their demand has grown so much.

The south of Minas as a strategic hub

The Poรงos de Caldas Volcanic Complex is becoming increasingly relevant. With concentrations of up to 3.942 ppm Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO), this discovery consolidates the region as a key point. Therefore, the economic potential of southern Minas Gerais is enormous, especially to meet the growing global demand for essential minerals such as Neodymium and Praseodymium.

Impressive recovery results

Initial tests of ionic leaching were surprising. After all, the efficiency of 81,69% is considered excellent. In addition, this method is known for its low operating costs. In this way, Cabo Verde Mineraรงรฃo reinforces its ability to lead the sector with innovation and efficiency.

Sustainability and innovation in focus

According to Tรบlio Rivadรกvia Amaral, CEO, the company is not only expanding its presence in the Volcanic Complex, but is also positioning itself as a strategic player in the global market. Furthermore, with investments in high-quality iron and rare earths, it is committed to drive sustainability and innovation in the mining sector.

Economic impacts on the region

The South of Minas Gerais will certainly benefit greatly from this discovery. Municipalities such as Cabo Verde, Muzambinho and Botelhos will be able to diversify their economies. After all, in addition to generating jobs, mining brings investments in infrastructure and sustainable development.

Benefits of Rare Earth Mining

The advantages include low environmental impact, reduced operating costs and a contribution to meeting the global demand for sustainable minerals. Thus, Rare Earth mining, especially with modern technologies, becomes an example of a balance between economy and environment.

Southern Minas Gerais and the future of mining

With this discovery, Brazil has taken a strategic position in the global market. After all, reducing dependence on imports and becoming an exporter of critical minerals puts the country at an advantage. In this way, the Volcanic Complex becomes essential for the future of Brazilian mining.

Finally, the discovery of Rare Earths by Cabo Verde Mineraรงรฃo marks a new era for Brazil. With innovation, positive economic impact and commitment to sustainability, the South of Minas Gerais is consolidating itself as a strategic hub. Thus, the country stands out in the energy transition and in the high-tech market.

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Ederson days of light
Ederson days of light
26/11/2024 18:00

You know what makes me **** with this kind of news? They always discover things that will make Brazil richer and lalala but it never happens, Brazil always stays the same **** and after a while they sell to China and we don't even see the color of the money or any tangible improvement in Brazil.

Ederson days of light
Ederson days of light
In reply to  Ederson days of light
26/11/2024 18:01

Fixing the โ€œThings That Goโ€ error.

Uerba
Uerba
In reply to  Ederson days of light
30/11/2024 09:50

Certainly, there are both endogenous and exogenous interests in keeping this giant dormant.

Guilherme Augusto
Guilherme Augusto
In reply to  Ederson days of light
26/11/2024 21:29

This is a consequence of the fact that mining companies are private, so they can discover deposits at will, all the money goes to the shareholders, not a penny goes to the state, thanks to Collor's Kandir Law they can export Brazil's wealth without paying anything. And this would still be a small step, because Brazil would still be a mining farm, Brazil needs to industrialize, but the right is a sellout, and the left is cowardly and complacent with what it has.

Marc
Marc
In reply to  Guilherme Augusto
27/11/2024 10:18

Vale do Rio Doce belonged to it for decades and nothing ever came of it!
When Petrobras โ€œdiscoveredโ€ the pre-salt, it was going to transform Brazil, but now itโ€™s drying up and nothing! As long as the same politicians are there, nothing, absolutely nothing changes!!!!

Roberto Pinheiro
Roberto Pinheiro
In reply to  Marc
27/11/2024 15:03

This is the system. Integration of the **** and the self-interested.
Both complement each other. And disorder delights. But what about the Fatherland?
Today we see Venezuela arming itself to the teeth against Brazil, with the money that Brazil lent. It is regrettableโ€ฆ to say the least.

Deaf
Deaf
In reply to  Marc
29/11/2024 22:47

Well, the government that discovered the pre-salt wanted to allocate the funds to education and that's why it was removed in a shameful impeachment.

Luiz
Luiz
In reply to  Guilherme Augusto
27/11/2024 19:45

Ederson, just reading a comment like yours makes you believe that there are people who truly believe that the State has to take care of what is ours. If you developed something remarkable in your garage, like Bill Gates, you would certainly be happy to give it to Daddy State.

MARISTER CARVALHO
MARISTER CARVALHO
In reply to  Guilherme Augusto
28/11/2024 01:08

WE NEED TO CHANGE THE LAW SO THAT WE CAN BENEFIT FROM THE WEALTH THAT OUR COUNTRY HAS! NO TO SURRENDER! IT'S TIME FOR THE LEFT TO REACT! THEN CHINA WILL BECOME A POWER!๏ปฟ

Marta Helena of Matos
Marta Helena of Matos
In reply to  Guilherme Augusto
28/11/2024 09:24

It charges so much tax from the Brazilian people, and gives fortunes to other countries for free.

Hydraulic
Hydraulic
In reply to  Guilherme Augusto
28/11/2024 22:47

Don't talk ****!!!! The left is the one that is handing over our wealth to China at a **** price.
Private mining pays royalties and taxes to the State, and carries out mining activities much more efficiently, at lower costs.

Pedro Candido do Carmo
Pedro Candido do Carmo
In reply to  Guilherme Augusto
02/12/2024 08:36

And even worse, they earn a lot of money, elect hundreds of deputies (&$#@โ€*) who will legislate in favor of taking away people's rights and making us more dependent on them.

Ana Paula
Ana Paula
In reply to  Ederson days of light
27/11/2024 08:24

Do you know what caught my attention? RARE EARTHS. Is this the name of some mineral? The article doesn't mention which minerals make up this RARE EARTHS. It's just another expression to justify ENDING the beautiful horizon of Minas Gerais once and for all!

Walter Mortagua
Walter Mortagua
In reply to  Ana Paula
27/11/2024 14:18

Rare earths is the name given to the chemical elements of the lanthanide family. These elements can be found in various minerals, such as monazite, xenotime and bastnasite. In the case of the region mentioned, rare earths are associated with ionic clays, and are therefore more easily solubilized.

Marc
Marc
In reply to  Ederson days of light
27/11/2024 10:15

With those politicians who are there?
Gold, diamonds, rubies and emeralds could spring from the ground like dust and Brazil would still not be able to get out of this pit!

Ruth Reis
Ruth Reis
In reply to  Ederson days of light
27/11/2024 19:26

I was going to say the same thing. They hand over these rare earths to foreigners and divide the profits, pocketing nothing for Brazil. They're doing the same thing with the Amazon. Why do you think the discoveries in the Amazon are silenced in the media? It's because the ones who are going to explore them are not Brazilians.

MARISTER CARVALHO
MARISTER CARVALHO
In reply to  Ruth Reis
28/11/2024 01:16

THE MINAS GERAIS GOVERNMENT HAS PROJECTS READY TO DELIVER COPASA AND CEMIG! THEY ARE STATE-OWNED COMPANIES THAT MAKE PROFITS AND WERE BUILT WITH OUR MONEY! IT IS A MATTER OF NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY! EITHER WE HOLD ON TO WHAT IS OURS OR WE WILL BE COLONIES OF OTHER COUNTRIES THAT ARE BECOMING EMPOWERED! THERE HAS TO BE A POLITICAL REFORM! TOO MANY PARTIES! AND THEY WILL LEGISLATE AGAINST THEMSELVES IN THE NATIONAL CONGRESS! THIS IS NOT A LEFT-WING GOVERNMENT!

Dalton Reges
Dalton Reges
In reply to  MARISTER CARVALHO
01/12/2024 22:26

Bad government?? We need to privatize to end this farce in Brazil

Eduardo
Eduardo
In reply to  Ederson days of light
27/11/2024 20:00

But if anyone can be sure, the same is true of the privatizations of public companies such as COPASA and CEMIG. Do you really think that the governor, being one of the biggest businessmen in Brazil, won't have a share in them? We are a South Africa in South America... except that there are countries that exploit them, and a few privileged ones do so. A very recent example... ELETROBRAS... the owners of AMERICANAS have a good part of it... it is very sad, but your statement is true.

Jose Carlos da Silva Gomes
Jose Carlos da Silva Gomes
In reply to  Ederson days of light
27/11/2024 20:27

I agree too.
They say that Brazil is the champion, feeding half of the world's population and we continue to be poor, miserable and starving. Without a penny in our pockets.
That! That's the truth. Why!
From what I know! If the country becomes rich, it is because of events that have been carried out, good investments.
First of all! It is to end poverty, misery, there has to be fair distribution. The Republic does not have to keep any money. For good reason. If power emanates from the people for the people! It is fair that the first look! Be. For the benefit of the people. For the people! And yet there is more
For 40 years. Policies are created to impoverish the people. I think they are expecting the worst. A bloody clash, because they don't know where to put all that money! They are increasingly stuffing themselves with money! And the people are in the same ****, in the same ****. When I say, the people. You all know who I am talking about. The years of the guillotine are of strength! They will be coming back!

denilson
denilson
In reply to  Ederson days of light
27/11/2024 20:54

Hahahaha you said it all... go Brazil

John B Assis
John B Assis
In reply to  Ederson days of light
02/12/2024 10:47

Your observation is perfect!

Antonio
Antonio
In reply to  Ederson days of light
02/12/2024 16:38

They sold the gold mill. Those days. Not that day.

Christian
Christian
26/11/2024 18:30

You can. But with the left, โ€ฆ. you never will!

Kika Roris
Kika Roris
In reply to  Christian
27/11/2024 14:39

NEITHER WITH THE LEFT NOR WITH THE RIGHT! NO BRAZILIAN POLITICIAN IS TRUSTWORTHY AND WOULD KNOW HOW TO MANAGE ALL THIS POWER FAIRLY! EVERYONE ONLY THINKS ABOUT THEMSELVES!

Caio Aviz

I write about the offshore market, oil and gas, job vacancies, renewable energy, mining, economy, innovation, geopolitics and government. Always seeking daily updates and relevant topics, I expose rich, considerable and meaningful content.

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