By Marcelo Mendo and others, partners in the Mining Law practice at Cescon Barrieu

About two months ago, when the U.S. government announced sanctions against Brazil — particularly the 50% tariffs on Brazilian products — a previously secondary discussion gained traction: President Donald Trump’s possible interest in Brazil’s rare earths. But why?

The so-called “rare earths” are crucial in the global geopolitical context because they provide minerals such as cerium, lanthanum, and neodymium, among others. These materials are strategic, for example, for concrete actions related to the energy transition agenda, including the production of wind turbines, electric cars, batteries, and magnets, as well as for military uses and various types of electronic equipment.

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