Agreement is for research and use of rare earth oxides, essential to global industry and the energy transition
The government of Goiás signed a cooperation agreement with Japan on Monday (March 9, 2026) for the exploration of critical minerals, focusing on rare earth oxides. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Jogmec (Japanese Metal and Energy Safety Organization) and Amic (Goiás Critical Minerals Authority).
“The partnership strengthens research, technology and responsible exploration of strategic resources, essential for global industry and the energy transition”said the vice-governor of Goiás, (MDB), on Instagram.
“Goiás has one of the most promising subsoils in the world and we are working to transform this potential into development, job creation and more opportunities for the people of Goiás”declared the vice-governor.
The Japanese delegation was led by the Japanese ambassador to Brazil, Noguchi Yasushi. According to , the agreement aims to “expand technical and institutional collaboration for the development of the mineral sector in Goiás”.
The focus will be “in exploration and exploitation” of rare earth oxides, “strategic inputs for advanced technologies and the global energy transition”.
Rare earths are a group of chemical elements that play an irreplaceable role in the manufacture of various technological products, such as smartphones, digital cameras and LEDs. Read more on the subject.
USA
The governor of Goiás, (PSD) was in Washington (USA) in February to participate in a meeting with members of the North American government to discuss rare earth projects in the Brazilian state.
According to , Caiado’s trip to the USA had “the objective of prospecting business in the mineral area, especially in the extraction and processing of rare earths”.
Caiado stated that he had meetings with businesspeople and US government officials and businesspeople, such as the Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau.
