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Serra Verde Begins Rare Earth Shipments to the US, Strengthening Brazil's Role in Global Mineral Supply

Brazilian mining company starts commercial exports under a 15-year supply agreement, supporting growing demand for critical minerals used in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and advanced technologies

Minaçu, Goiás, 12 November 2026 – Rare earth minerals are becoming increasingly important to industries developing electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, advanced electronics, and high-performance technologies. As demand for these materials grows, reliable sources of supply are becoming essential for manufacturers. Adding to this development, Brazil-based mining company Serra Verde has started commercial shipments of rare earth materials to the United States, marking an important milestone in its mining and export operations.

The first shipments began in October 2026, while commercial sales were recorded in November. The development was announced by USA Rare Earth, which owns Serra Verde, following the successful completion of the first stage of an operational improvement and expansion program at its Brazilian facility.

The shipments are being made under a 15-year supply agreement with US SIIE, a special purpose company supported by the US government. Under the agreement, the buyer is committed to purchasing the entire production from Serra Verde's first development phase. The arrangement also includes minimum price protections for selected rare earth elements, helping provide greater financial stability for the mining operation.

Serra Verde operates the Pela Ema mine and processing facility in the Brazilian state of Goiás. The operation produces mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC), an intermediate material containing several rare earth elements that undergo further processing before being used in industrial applications.

Among the important materials recovered are neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium. These elements are essential for manufacturing powerful permanent magnets used in electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, robotics, industrial equipment, and various electronic products. Their magnetic properties allow manufacturers to develop smaller, lighter, and more efficient components.

The facility holds an important position in the global rare earth industry because it produces both light and heavy rare earth elements at commercial scale outside Asia. Heavy rare earths, particularly dysprosium and terbium, are valuable because they help permanent magnets maintain their performance under demanding operating conditions.

To increase production, Serra Verde is implementing a two-stage expansion program. Following the completion of the first stage, the company is targeting an annual production rate of approximately 4,000 tonnes of total rare earth oxides by the second quarter of 2027. The second stage is expected to increase this capacity to approximately 6,400 tonnes annually by the end of 2027.

The company is also working to improve processing efficiency and maintain consistent product quality as production increases. According to USA Rare Earth, the first commercial shipments have met the quality requirements specified in the supply agreement.

The development highlights the growing importance of diversified rare earth supply chains for industries that depend on advanced materials. From electric mobility and wind energy to semiconductors and robotics, access to these minerals supports several important manufacturing sectors.

With commercial exports now underway and further expansion planned, Serra Verde is strengthening Brazil's position in the international rare earth market. Its growing production capacity could provide manufacturers with another source of essential materials as demand for advanced technologies continues to increase.