US invests $750 million in Brazil rare earths to counter China

The US Department of War committed $750 million to secure rare-earth carbonates from Serra Verde's Pela Ema Project in Brazil, part of a $1.55 billion supply-chain initiative.

"Securing resilient domestic and allied supply chains is a fundamental warfighting requirement," Mike Cadenazzi, assistant secretary of war for industrial base policy, said. "By partnering with Serra Verde, we are taking a decisive step to break our adversaries' near-monopoly on rare-earth elements."

The $750 million investment with US SIIE, LLC runs through the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program. It sits within a $1.55 billion structure mobilized by the Economic Defense Unit that includes a $300 million purchase commitment from the Defense Logistics Agency and a $500 million commitment from a money-center bank. The deal follows a $565 million loan from the US International Development Finance Corporation to expand the Pela Ema Project.

Rare-earth elements improve the thermal stability and magnetic strength of neodymium-iron-boron magnets, essential for nuclear submarines, fighter jets, satellites, guided missiles, combat vessels, and drones. Beyond defense, the materials feed energy infrastructure, transportation, aerospace, and electronics, making them a cornerstone of a modern industrial economy.

China dominates global rare-earth mining and processing, leaving US defense contractors exposed to a single supplier. The project targets dysprosium, terbium, neodymium, and praseodymium — the heavy and light rare earths most critical to permanent magnets. The investment runs parallel to the Department of Commerce's push to build a non-Chinese mine-to-magnet value chain.

"This historic $1.55 billion investment is a major step towards securing one of the most vital supply chains for our warfighters and our economy," George K. Kollitides II, director of the Economic Defense Unit, said.

The Pela Ema Project ranks among the largest non-Chinese rare-earth developments, alongside MP Materials' Mountain Pass mine in California and Lynas Rare Earths' operations in Australia and Malaysia. Serra Verde's deposit is notable for its heavy rare-earth content, which is scarcer and more valuable than light rare earths.

The investment marks the latest US push to rebuild rare-earth processing capacity onshore and in allied countries. Washington has identified rare earths as critical to national security, with the Pentagon and Commerce Department both funding mine-to-magnet supply chains. China's export controls on rare-earth processing technology have accelerated these efforts, pushing Western governments to secure alternative sources.

Once fully operational, the project will support emerging US magnet manufacturing capabilities, reducing reliance on Chinese-processed material for defense and commercial applications.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.