The Australian government signaled, through letters of support from Export Finance Australia, its interest in financing two rare earth projects under development in Brazil. Adding the indicated contributions, the amount could reach US$100 million (around R$500 million).
One of the projects is Caldeira, located in Poços de Caldas (MG), considered one of the largest and most advanced in the critical mineral extraction sector in the world. Based on ionic absorption clay deposits, this type of reserve allows the extraction of minerals with less environmental impact compared to extraction in rocky terrain.
According to the financing company, the resources aim to support the development of the Boiler Project through the hiring of Australian engineering, supply, construction and management companies.
The venture also has financial support from the Export-Import Bank, the official export credit agency of the United States.
Another supported project is Colossus, also located in Minas Gerais. Also using reserves of ionic clays, Colossus has large reserves of neodymium, terbium, dysprosium and praseodymium, essential elements in the manufacture of magnets for electric vehicles, turbines and high-tech defense systems.
With the issuance of the letter, the project enters the due diligence stage, which involves technical, financial and environmental feasibility analyzes conducted by the Australian agency before formal financing approval.
