Takeaways from a story on the US, Australia and others turning to Brazil for rare earth minerals

By

GABRIELA SÁ PESSOA, Associated Press / DIEGO JUNQUEIRA and ISABEL HARARI

SAO PAULO (AP) — The world is increasingly turning to Brazil to explore for rare earth minerals that are crucial for technology and renewable energy. The country’s large reserves are second only to China and have attracted investors, many of them with foreign support.An analysis by The Associated Press and Reporter Brasil of all National Mining Agency records through June shows that rare earth exploration applications have surged, with more than 86% filed in the past three years, including 268 in the first half of 2026.The interest is already raising environmental concerns for the Amazon and other areas.Here are takeaways from the story:The US and others are seeking alternatives to ChinaRare earth minerals are a group of chemicals essential in digital and defense technologies, used in electronics, magnets and batteries. They are also used in wind turbines and electric vehicle motors, critical to the transition away from fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal that cause global warming. The International Energy Agency estimated in 2022 that demand for rare earths could increase at least threefold by 2040.

China has nearly half of the world’s reserves and dominates global processing. Brazil has the second-largest reserves and is becoming increasingly attractive to investors seeking alternatives to China after Beijing restricted exports last year.