Brazil has made a significant stride in the extraction of rare earth elements with the commencement of operations at a new laboratory in Poços de Caldas, located in the southern region of Minas Gerais. The facility, owned by the Australian mining company Meteoric Resources, is set to function as a pilot plant associated with the Caldeira Project, which encompasses the exploration of these critical minerals over an area of 193 km2 in the neighboring town of Caldas.
This groundbreaking facility is the nation’s first dedicated to refining rare earth elements, marking a milestone in Brazil’s mining industry. The laboratory officially opened its doors on Friday, December 12, following a US$ 1.5 million investment by Meteoric Resources. The pilot plant received the inaugural environmental license for rare earth extraction in Minas Gerais, as reported by G1, allowing it to begin processing activities.
Rare Earth Elements: Pillars of Energy Transition
Rare earth elements, often referred to as “rare earths,” are a collection of chemical elements crucial for various high-tech applications. They play a pivotal role in the production of electronic displays, medical equipment, computer components, and notably, in the creation of powerful permanent magnets used in electric vehicle motors and wind power generation systems.
Despite the immense potential of these elements, the pilot plant’s processing capacity is modest. It can handle up to 500 kilograms per year of mixed rare earth carbonates, an initial concentrate derived from the mined ore. For perspective, Meteoric anticipates that the future full-scale Caldeira mine could produce 18,000 tons annually once operational.
On a daily basis, the pilot plant processes around 600 kilograms of clay, yielding approximately 2 kilograms of mixed rare earth carbonates. Of this yield, 53% is composed of rare earth oxides.
All materials currently being processed at the pilot phase are sourced from samples collected during research campaigns in the designated mining area.
Radiation Monitoring by National Authorities
A sensitive aspect of rare earth extraction is the potential presence of radioactive elements such as uranium and thorium within the ore. Recognizing this, the laboratory’s operations are being closely monitored by Brazil’s National Authority for Nuclear Safety (ANSN). Previous tests have indicated low levels of radioactivity, but continuous monitoring will be conducted throughout the pilot phase to ensure safety standards are met.
While the laboratory is already operational, the environmental licensing for the proposed mines in Caldas and Poços de Caldas remains stalled. The Mines and Energy State Council (Copam) has postponed the review of the licensing applications twice; initially due to requests for additional information and subsequently following recommendations from the Federal Prosecution Service, which raised concerns over environmental impacts and risks to surrounding communities.
The Poços de Caldas Plateau, also known as the Cratera de Poços de Caldas, is home to one of the world’s largest deposits of rare earth elements. Spanning approximately 800 km2 across both Minas Gerais and São Paulo states, geological estimates suggest the region could hold up to 300 million tons of these valuable minerals.
The opening of this laboratory represents a significant step forward for Brazil in the quest to tap into its rich reserves of rare earth elements, positioning the country as a potential player in the global supply chain for these essential components of modern technology and the transition to renewable energy.
Source: Olhar Digital
