Representatives from the US government will discuss at an event rules to expand access for US companies to the sector
The United States government seeks to increase access for US companies to explore critical minerals in Brazil. These are materials that are used for the production of electronic devices and batteries that will be in increasing demand in the coming decades.
The list of these materials includes lithium, niobium, cobalt and other more common ones, such as copper.
One of the items of the (Republican Party) government’s effort is to hold the Critical Minerals Forum on Wednesday (March 18, 2026) at the headquarters of Amcham (American Chamber of Commerce for Brazil), in São Paulo.
It will be the biggest event on the topic of the North American government in Latin America in 2026. Representatives of the Brazilian government were invited. The event organizers did not say who confirmed their presence.
The Trump administration’s expectation is that the Brazilian government will give clear signals that it is willing to negotiate joint rules in the area.
PREFERRED ACCESS
The US wants to establish an agreement that gives the country’s companies preferential access to the exploration of critical mineral reserves. Items under discussion include the simplification of licensing processes and support from the 2 governments for exploration.
Establishing minimum purchase prices is one of the possibilities presented by the US government. It is a guarantee that could favor investments.
Brazil has the 2nd largest global reserve of rare earths, a set of 17 chemical elements essential for electronic equipment. Brazilian reserves are second only to China. The US intends to reduce the Asian country’s dependence on the sector.
The US International Development Finance Corporation and the US government’s US Export-Import Bank have plans to offer US$600 million in financing for critical minerals projects already underway in Brazil.
The US government’s assessment is that Brazil already has an advanced regulatory environment and mining operations that are among the most significant. The idea is to simplify existing rules to favor investments.
