Assistant Secretary of State says that exploration partnership with Washington is in the “analysis” phase
US Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs, defended the processing of rare earths and other critical minerals in Brazil. He gave an interview to journalists via videoconference this Wednesday (11.Feb.2026).
The US government advocates partnerships with South American countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Peru and Ecuador, to develop regional capabilities for the extraction and processing of minerals essential for electronic equipment.
The secretary said that the objective is to reduce “strategic vulnerabilities” in global supply chains. He said the U.S. seeks economic advantages domestically and in partner countries by attracting investment for critical minerals projects across the region. For the secretary, the US is interested in part of the processing being done in Brazil as part of the diversification strategy. “Refining is even more concentrated than mining”, he stated.
According to Orr, the DFC (International Development Finance Corporation) provides financial support to 2 Brazilian projects: . The region has heavy rare earth elements – components used by high-tech industries.
“The United States is interested in financing projects throughout Brazil. There are 2 projects that I mentioned earlier, in the State of Goiás, focused on heavy rare earth elements. But these are just examples, and I believe that the potential for projects between the United States and Brazil is very high”said assistant secretary.
The US embassy in Brazil is preparing a symposium to highlight opportunities in the Brazilian market. Regarding this event, the secretary said that the North American side seeks to attract investments from meetings “that highlight the rich opportunities that exist in the Brazilian market”.
USA X CHINA
According to Orr, Washington wants to offer a commercial partnership in this market to countries that are willing to collaborate with the North American government. The measure would not be a response to the Chinese government.
“The focus of the United States’ ministerial and bilateral agreements with our partner countries is to reduce risk and diversify our own supply chains. This is not retaliation against China. As the vice president said [JD] Vance, it is a preferred trade zone for countries that are willing to adhere to the high standards and market-friendly approach that the United States offers.”these.
