US DFC Offers $565M Financing to Brazilian Rare Earth Project

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), the world’s largest derivatives exchange, is considering the launch of the world’s first rare earth futures contract, Reuters reported on 12th (local time). According to the report, CME is preparing a futures contract linked to neodymium–praseodymium (NdPr), a key rare earth alloy used in high-performance permanent magnets for electric vehicles and wind turbines.

US Assistant Secretary of State Caleb Orr stated that the US is actively negotiating with Brazil to develop critical mineral processing capabilities, with a focus on heavy rare earths. Orr said Brazil is an "important" partner in building a resilient Western supply chain. The US has invested in Brazil's Serra Verde and Aclara rare earth projects through the DFC to produce mixed rare earth carbonate containing dysprosium and terbium for use in permanent magnetic materials. Brazil holds the world's second-largest rare earth reserves but lacks processing capacity. Brazilian President Lula emphasized that foreign companies must invest in downstream facilities to achieve an end-to-end value chain.

UK-based junior exploration company Altona Rare Earths has revealed that the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has agreed to support its Monte Muambe rare earth project in Mozambique. Altona stated that USTDA will provide technical and financial support for the development of the Monte Muambe project, assisting it in achieving the production of rare earth elements.