English 
Spanish 
4 min read
4 comments
The global rare earth mining market is controlled by China, which produced around 240 thousand tons of these minerals, consolidating its leadership in the production and processing of essential materials for advanced technologies, such as wind turbines, electric vehicles and military equipment.
Brazilian mining takes a significant step towards reducing global dependence on China for rare earth supplies. Serra Verde, mining company located in Goiás, is making a million-dollar investment in its operations and intends to reach the mark of 5 thousand annual tons of rare earth oxides by 2026. The company, which began commercial production about a year ago, is betting on growth strategies and international collaborations to consolidate its position in the sector.
Operations director Ricardo Grossi revealed plans to increase production capacity, although he did not detail specific figures. The company is seeking strategic alliances with foreign countries and companies to expand both production and processing of essential minerals such as neodymium, praseodymium, terbium and dysprosium. According to Grossi, the mining company could emerge as a viable alternative for supplying critical metals to the West, especially given the possibility of China intensifying export restrictions.
China dominates the market and worries the US
The global rare earths market is largely controlled by China, which accounts for 70% of the extraction and 90% of the refining capacity of these elements, according to the US Geological Survey. In 2023, the Asian country produced about 240 tons of rare earth oxides, cementing its leadership in the production and processing of materials essential for advanced technologies, such as wind turbines, electric vehicles and military equipment.
- China makes HISTORIC discovery of 1,15 million tons of RARE EARTHS in Yunnan and consolidates global dominance in the technology industry
- 155 years ago, miners found a gold nugget as heavy as a man and as big as a baby
- BNDES and Finep lead R$5 billion financing to boost strategic minerals in Brazil
- Australian mining company enters Minas Gerais to shake up the billion-dollar Moreira Salles empire and break the niobium monopoly
In this scenario, the United States and its allies are seeking alternative suppliers to reduce dependence on China. Serra Verde has emerged as one of the main candidates to meet this demand, highlighting Brazil as a potential strategic hub for rare earth mining.
Million-dollar investment strengthens key expansion plans to increase production capacity for the world's most sought-after minerals
Serra Verde's growth is supported by foreign investment. Denham Capital, in partnership with the Energy and Minerals Group (USA) and Vision Blue Resources Ltd. (UK), invested US$150 million in the company in October. According to Grossi, new rounds of financing are already under negotiation, which may involve both new investors and current partners.
The mining engineer, who has worked at companies such as Vale and Anglo American, reinforced that these resources will be fundamental to increasing production capacity and developing new processing technologies.
Advances in rare earth production have been recognized by the Minerals Security Partnership, a coalition of 14 countries including the US and the European Union
In parallel with current operations, Serra Verde is evaluating a second phase of expansion that could double its production by 2030. The company’s progress has been recognized by the Minerals Security Partnership, a coalition of 14 countries, including the United States and the European Union. The partnership aims to accelerate the formation of secure and sustainable supply chains for strategic minerals.
Although a recent oversupply has impacted prices, Serra Verde is banking on growing demand for rare earth metals. Grossi estimates an increase of 8,5% per year until 2035, driven by the transition to renewable energy and the electrification of the automotive industry. Currently, most of the company's production is exported to the Asian market.
Brazil, with its mineral wealth, reinforces its strategic position in mining, challenging China's dominance and attracting international investment.
After 15 years of preparation, Serra Verde is finally starting to generate revenue, marking a financial turning point for the project. Grossi highlights that 2026 will be a crucial year, with forecasts of strong growth and consolidation in the global rare earths market. Brazil, with its mineral wealth, reinforces its strategic position in mining, challenging China's dominance and attracting international investment.
I do not agree with this, the workers will live on what many families depend on minerals to survive, etc.
There is no way to replace China in terms of rare earths in the short term. China has a highly qualified workforce and ready equipment. China extracts the largest variety of rare earths in the world and has already secured domestic and foreign markets. What about Brazil? If Brazil's rare earths are ready, will the Chinese open up the market again? Just like Brazil's refinery, which has never even been built.