Brazil's rare earth magnet production unlikely before 2032, researchers say

Brazil's ambition to break China's dominance in rare earth magnets faces a significant timeline challenge, with researchers indicating domestic production of finished magnets is unlikely before 2032.

Andre Luis Pimenta de Faria, who manages Brazil's primary magnet pilot plant for Senai, stated that while initial batches using imported inputs could emerge by late 2028, a complete production cycle from raw materials is a more distant prospect. "If we look at the full picture of everything needed to produce a permanent magnet, we are talking about a more distant horizon, maybe 2032–2035," Faria explained at Brazil's largest mining congress.

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If we look at the full picture of everything needed to produce a permanent magnet, we are talking about a more distant horizon, maybe 2032–2035.

The pilot plant currently utilizes Asian process technology and sources processed ore from abroad. Despite Brazil being a major iron ore exporter, it lacks the production of high-purity electrolytic iron essential for magnet manufacturing.

Pablo Cesario, CEO of the Brazilian Mining Institute, echoed these concerns, calling even the 2028 timeline optimistic. He highlighted the substantial gap in Brazil between identifying mineral reserves and commencing production, estimating it at 17.2 years. "This is a 10 or 15-year game. And in those 10 or 15 years the others are running too," Cesario cautioned, emphasizing the ongoing global race in rare earth technology.

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This is a 10 or 15-year game. And in those 10 or 15 years the others are running too.