Western companies are investing heavily in Brazil's rare-earth industry, hoping to loosen China's grip on the minerals used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced weapons.
Brazil holds the world's second-largest rare-earth reserves after China, and companies are racing to develop deposits across the country.
Executives say they want to build processing plants that can separate rare earths, produce metals, and eventually manufacture magnets, which would represent a bigger challenge to China's dominance.
Brazil has resisted pressure to join a U.S.-led minerals bloc, insisting it will accept investment from any country willing to help develop the industry.
The country has become a focal point in the struggle between Washington and Beijing over critical minerals, with the U.S. backing projects from Africa to Australia to loosen Beijing's grip on the industry.
