Brazilian Rare Earths Limited (ASX:BRE, OTCQX: BRELY) is making a significant move to strengthen its presence in the rare earths sector by partnering with SENAI CIMATEC, a respected Brazilian research and educational institution. The two organizations have entered a binding agreement to develop a laboratory and pilot plant facility in Bahia, Brazil, aiming to optimize the beneficiation of rare earth minerals from BRE’s Monte Alto Project.
The partnership between BRE and SENAI CIMATEC is designed to accelerate the development of rare earth processing technologies within Brazil. SENAI CIMATEC, known for its advanced technological capabilities, will not only bring its expertise to the table but will also provide substantial financial support. Together with its partner organizations, SENAI CIMATEC is set to contribute approximately $1.6 million (R$8.2 million, ~A$2.3 million) to the project, which covers 58% of the anticipated capital and operational costs. This funding will be crucial in getting the facility off the ground and into operation.
The facility will be located in the SENAI CIMATEC Industrial Development Park in Salvador, Bahia. This location is strategic, sitting roughly 125 miles from BRE’s Monte Alto Project and close to the Camaçari Petrochemical Complex, the largest petrochemical hub in the Southern Hemisphere. The proximity to both the project site and major industrial infrastructure is expected to streamline logistics and support future expansion.
The primary aim of the new laboratory and pilot plant is to optimize the beneficiation process for BRE’s high-grade rare earth ores. Beneficiation is a key step in rare earth production, involving the concentration and separation of valuable minerals from the ore. By refining these processes at the pilot scale, BRE hopes to lay the groundwork for efficient downstream processing and, eventually, commercial production.
Development studies for the facility are already underway, with commissioning targeted for mid-2026. Once operational, the pilot plant will serve as a testbed for new processing technologies and a training ground for Brazilian engineers and technicians. This aligns with BRE’s broader goal of building local expertise and supply chains for rare earth elements, which are critical for a range of high-tech and clean energy applications.
While the current focus is on the laboratory and pilot plant, BRE and SENAI CIMATEC are already discussing the possibility of expanding their collaboration to include a commercial-scale hydrometallurgical and separation plant. Such a facility would process rare earth concentrates into high-value separated products, further integrating Brazil into the global rare earth supply chain.
This forward-thinking approach is particularly relevant given the growing demand for rare earth elements, which are essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced electronics. By developing processing capacity within Brazil, BRE is positioning itself to play a key role in meeting both domestic and international demand.
Bernardo da Veiga, CEO and Managing Director of Brazilian Rare Earths, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “This strategic partnership with SENAI CIMATEC accelerates our in-country technical development capabilities and reinforces our commitment to unlock full value from our rare earth assets. We highly value the financial support and technical expertise provided by SENAI CIMATEC and look forward to this collaborative partnership.”
Brazilian Rare Earths Limited’s agreement with SENAI CIMATEC marks a pivotal step in advancing rare earth processing technology in Brazil. With strong financial backing, technical expertise, and a clear roadmap for future growth, BRE is positioning itself as a key player in the rare earths industry, both in Brazil and on the global stage.
