Concentration increases after the mine
The Brasil Terras Raras comparative base estimates that China accounted in 2024 for about 60% of global mining of rare earths used in magnets, 91% of refining, and 94% of sintered permanent-magnet manufacturing.
These figures refer to the neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium chain, not every rare-earth use. Even so, they show how industrial scale, accumulated knowledge, and domestic demand reinforce a position across several stages.
How vulnerability appears
Export controls, logistics interruptions, operational failures, and regulatory changes can affect intermediate materials and components. Brasil Terras Raras analysis records that measures announced in 2025 reduced flows of some heavy elements and magnets, pressuring manufacturers in different regions.
Inventory helps during short events but does not create capacity. Qualifying a new oxide, metal, alloy, or magnet may require tests, design adjustments, and certification time.
Diversification means building links
Mining projects outside the dominant center are advancing faster than separation, metallization, and magnet production. If intermediate links do not grow together, concentrate remains dependent on a small number of processing routes.
Diversification combines suppliers in different regions, long-term contracts, conversion capacity, product standards, recycling, and projects that use less critical material.
What this means for Brazil
Reserves and emerging production give Brazil a potentially relevant position. The opportunity grows when mineral exploration connects to processing, skills development, infrastructure, customers, and innovation in magnets and recycling.
The goal need not be an isolated replica of an entire chain. Technology and commercial partnerships can distribute risks, provided Brazil retains technical capacity, environmental traceability, and participation in higher-value stages.
Sources and documentary base
References consulted for the review dated August 16, 2026. Links lead to the original publications.
- Rare Earth Elements: Pathways to secure and diversified supply chainsInternational Energy Agency, 2026
- Global Critical Minerals Outlook 2026International Energy Agency, 2026
- Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Rare EarthsU.S. Geological Survey, 2026
Sources support the general context. Evaluating a specific area or project requires first-party data, a declared method, and review by qualified professionals.