March 19 (UPI) -- The United States signed a landmark memorandum of understanding with the Brazilian state of Goiás to explore and process critical minerals and rare earth elements.
This marks the first time Washington has reached a direct mining agreement with a subnational government without waiting for federal approval in that nation.
Goiás Gov. Ronaldo Caiado and U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Gabriel Escobar signed the agreement Wednesday at the U.S. Embassy in Brazil
Goiás has emerged as a strategic hub in the effort to diversify global supply chains. The state holds reserves of lithium and niobium and is home to the Serra Verde project, currently Brazil's only commercial rare earth operation. The project has received financial backing from the U.S. International Development Finance Corp.
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