Lynas Proposes Rare Earth Separation Plant in Brazil
Lynas Rare Earths proposes building a rare earth oxide separation plant in Brazil following its $672 million acquisition of Meteoric Resources.
Mining company Lynas Rare Earths has proposed the construction of a rare earth oxide separation plant in the Poços de Caldas region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The proposal follows the company's $672 million acquisition of Meteoric Resources and its Caldeira project, which holds one of the largest ionic-clay rare earth deposits outside China.
Brazilian Mines and Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira described the project as a potential milestone that could move Brazil away from being a raw material exporter toward becoming a value-added processor. He noted that the facility could become one of the largest industrial rare earth plants outside China.
The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) is currently evaluating financing options and plans to visit Lynas operations in Australia by the end of 2026. The project will be among the first evaluated under the National Council for the Industrialization of Critical and Strategic Minerals and Brazil's new critical minerals policy.
Despite government optimism, Lynas has maintained a cautious stance in communications with investors. The company characterizes the plant as a possible future investment that remains subject to regulatory approvals and a final investment decision.
