Alckmin reveals US pressure to obtain rare earths from Brazil

O acting president and minister of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services, Geraldo Alckmin (PSB)stated that the The United States has increased its interest in accessing Brazilian strategic minerals and rare earthsinputs considered essential for the high technology industry ea global energy transition.

In an interview with Record Newsreflected by the Estadão ContentAlckmin highlighted that the topic is already part of the permanent economic dialogue between Brazil and the USAwho seek deepen cooperation in energy, innovation and sustainability.

“The discussion is already part of the economic dialogue between the two countries. Both seek to expand cooperation in areas of energy, innovation and sustainability”, stated the minister.

Strategic partnership and clean energy

According to Alckmin, the Brazil has unique competitive advantages on the global stage for combine mineral potential and renewable energy matrix. He highlighted that this combination can attract new international investmentsespecially from partners like the United States, who face dependence on China in the global supply chain of critical minerals.

“Brazil has abundant energy and clean energy — renewable, wind, solar and hydroelectric. There is a huge space for good understanding with the United States,” said the acting president.

Os strategic minerals cited by Alckmin include nickel, lithium, niobium, copper and graphitein addition to the rare earthsessential for the manufacture of batteries, semiconductors, turbines and electric vehicles. The Brazilian government has sought stimulate sustainable mining e create local industrial chains that increase the added value of these resources.

Brazil wants to lead sustainable fuel production

Alckmin also highlighted the importance of Brazil take a leading role in the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)considered one of the main solutions for reduce carbon emissions in air transport.

“Only Brazil, India and the United States have the scale to produce sustainable aviation fuel,” he stated.

O SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) is produced from biomass, ethanol and agricultural wasteand can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil kerosene. According to the minister, the country has ideal conditions — abundance of raw materials and renewable energy matrix — for lead the transition in the aeronautical sector.

This vision is shared by representatives of industry and agribusiness, who see aviation biofuel an opportunity to generate high-value exports and qualified jobs.

COP30: showcase of the Brazilian green economy

The acting president also pointed out the COP30which will be held in Belém (PA) em November 2025as a strategic framework to boost the Brazilian green economy and consolidate the country’s image as global leadership on the climate agenda.

“The United Nations Conference on Climate Change represents an avenue of investment opportunities for Brazil”, he highlighted.

The event must bring together world leaders, investors and environmental organizationsstrengthening the debate on bioeconomy, energy transition and protection of the Amazon. The government is betting that the conference will stimulate new funding commitments and international partnershipsfocusing on reducing deforestation and expanding clean energy.

Brazil among the protagonists of the energy transition

Alckmin’s statements reinforce the government’s strategy of position Brazil as a green power and global supplier of clean energy and strategic inputs. In recent months, the country has intensified dialogue with United States, European Union and India on critical minerals e sustainable supply chains.

Itamaraty and the Ministry of Development have also been negotiating bilateral technological cooperation agreementswhich may include knowledge transfer and investments in research and innovation.

“Brazil has everything it needs to be a major supplier of clean energy and sustainable minerals, essential pillars of the new global economy”, reinforced the minister.

📊 Key points from Alckmin’s speech:

US seeks access to strategic Brazilian mineralsincluding rare earths.

Bilateral partnerships focusing on clean energy, innovation and sustainability.

Brazil can lead the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

COP30 in Belém should boost investments and the national green economy.

Combination between mineral potential and renewable energy is the Brazilian trump card.