Coordinator of a Network of 15 Research Institutes Dedicated to Developing a National Rare Earths Supply Chain Outlines the Path to Unlock the Country’s Potential
Brazil holds the world’s second-largest rare earth reserves—a group of 17 elements essential for the energy transition and high-tech industries. Yet transforming this geological advantage into economic development and technological sovereignty requires overcoming challenges such as the lack of a dedicated public policy, insufficient investment, and limited mechanisms to guarantee national research institutions’ access to mineral samples. This assessment comes from Professor Sérgio Michielon, coordinator of the newly created INCT Material (Advanced Materials Based on Rare Earths: Innovations and Applications). As debates advance around Brazil’s rare earth production, experts increasingly emphasize the need for strategic action.
“Rare earth materials represent only 1% of the total value of a cell phone. It may seem small, but without that 1%, the device wouldn’t exist. That means rare earths are not at the center of debate for their financial potential, but for their strategic value,” he explains.
A professor at the Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM), Michielon oversees INCT material, a network that brings together researchers from 15 national institutions working to drive the development of rare-earth-based materials. The initiative covers the entire production chain—from extraction and processing to high-impact applications and recycling.
Challenges and Opportunities
According to the specialist, Brazil possesses the main requirements to become a global leader in the rare earth market. In addition to hosting the world’s second-largest reserves—behind only China—the country has research institutions and highly regarded experts in the field. “Brazil has the raw material and the knowledge, but it still lacks investment and the creation of a specific public policy. We need to build an ecosystem capable of turning our potential into wealth and innovation,” he says. Strengthening Brazil rare earth production would position the country more competitively in the global technology landscape.
One of the barriers he highlights is the difficulty universities and national research centers face in accessing these minerals. He notes that many mining companies produce waste rich in rare earths, yet when Brazilian researchers request samples, they are often denied. “This is something that needs to be addressed within the legislative framework,” he explains.
Training and Retaining Talent
Another challenge concerns the training of specialized labor. In this regard, INCT Material includes the participation of two technical education institutions. “This is important because it helps inspire new generations to take an interest in the topic, which is crucial for ensuring sustainability over the decades.”
However, Michielon stresses that simply training new specialists is not enough. There must also be investment in strengthening the industrial supply chain to create jobs capable of retaining this workforce in the country and generating domestic wealth.
“Today, the country invests heavily in training professionals, but they often leave for opportunities abroad because they cannot find a market in Brazil. In other words, foreign companies receive highly qualified professionals essentially for free—professionals we finance. We need to create conditions that allow these people to build their careers here,” he argues.
One initiative aiming to change this trajectory is the creation of the Innovation and Technology Center for Rare Earth Magnets (CIT Senai ITR) in Lagoa Santa, Minas Gerais—a lab-factory focused on producing high-performance magnets. This effort reinforces the broader vision of advancing Brazil rare earth production through integrated industry-academia partnerships.
The project is the result of a partnership between Senai, Fiemg (the Federation of Industries of the State of Minas Gerais), and MagBras, a consortium of 28 companies, seven research institutes, and three foundations. “The initiative shows the synergy required between academia and industry to foster the development of a national supply chain for rare earth permanent magnets,” he summarizes.
Three Strategic Pillars
INCT Material aims to coordinate efforts to train people, attract funding, and support research in the field of rare earths. With an expected duration of five years, the project is structured around three main pillars.
The first focuses on the national production of neodymium-iron-boron magnets, the most advanced on the market. These magnets are essential for device miniaturization and are found in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and computer hard drives.
The second front explores new properties and applications for different rare earth elements, while the third is dedicated to developing metallurgical routes for mineral processing and substance concentration, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
“One of our priorities is what we call urban mining. Instead of searching for natural deposits, we will focus on recycling end-of-life magnets. The goal is to ensure that the mineral resources found in products like electric vehicles are not wasted in the future,” Michielon reveals. Such innovations will play a critical role in improving Brazil rare earth production through circular and sustainable practices.
Institutions Participating in INCT Material
Federal University of Amazonas – UFAM (AM)
Institute for Technological Research of the State of São Paulo – IPT (SP)
Mineral Technology Center – CETEM (RJ)
Federal University of ABC – UFABC (SP)
University of São Paulo – USP (SP)
Federal University of Santa Catarina – UFSC (SC)
Federal University of Catalão – UFCAT (GO)
Nuclear Technology Development Center – CDTN/CNEN (MG)
Federal University of Espírito Santo – UFES (ES)
Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Amazonas – IFAM (AM)
SENAI School of São Paulo – SENAI (SP)
Federal University of Western Pará – UFOPA (PA)
Federal University of Minas Gerais – UFMG (MG)
Geological Survey of Brazil – CPRM/DF (DF)
Nuclear and Energy Research Institute – IPEN/CNEN (SP)
Conclusion
Brazil stands at a decisive crossroads. With abundant reserves, strong scientific talent, and emerging partnerships that bridge academia and industry, the country has the foundations needed to become a global rare earth powerhouse. Yet the transition from potential to leadership will depend on coherent public policies, regulatory reform, industrial investment, and a long-term vision that recognizes rare earths not only as a commodity, but as a strategic asset for the nation’s technological future. By advancing these priorities, Brazil can secure a central role in the global clean-energy supply chain and ensure that the benefits—economic, scientific, and geopolitical—are realized at home.