Brazil and India agree to boost cooperation on rare earths

Brazil and India signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to cooperate on rare earths, covering reciprocal investment, exploration, mining and AI applications; Brazil holds the world’s second-largest rare earth reserves.

Brazil and India signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to boost cooperation on rare earths and critical minerals. The agreement creates a framework for reciprocal investment, exploration, mining and the use of artificial intelligence in related areas. Brazil holds the world’s second-largest reserves of rare earth minerals, which are used in products such as smartphones, electric vehicles, solar panels and jet engines. The talks come as both countries seek to diversify trading relationships and strategic partners. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is on a state visit to India and was accompanied by ministers and a delegation of business leaders. Key details: - The memorandum of understanding on rare earths is non-binding and outlines cooperation in investment, exploration, mining and AI applications. - Brazil is reported to have the world’s second-largest rare earth reserves; these minerals are used in electronics, clean energy and aerospace industries. - Officials also agreed legal and cooperative frameworks on entrepreneurship, health, scientific research and education. - President Lula described increasing investment and cooperation in renewable energy and critical minerals as central to the agreement. - Analysts and scholars cited the deal as part of a broader strategy by Brazil and India to diversify economic and strategic ties beyond China and the United States. Summary: The memorandum strengthens institutional ties between Brazil and India and may lead to expanded commercial and scientific cooperation in critical minerals and related technologies. Undetermined at this time.