EXPLORATION AND PROSPECTING OF RARE EARTHS IN BRAZIL: HISTORY AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

The prospection of Rare Earth Elements (REE) in Brazil is of great strategic importance due to the growing global demand for these resources, which are essential in advanced technological sectors, such as electronics, renewable energies (wind turbines), and electric mobility (batteries and high-efficiency motors). The exploration of compounds containing REE in Brazil began in 1885, with the extraction of monazite sand in the region of Prado, Bahia. Since then, both private companies and government institutions, such as the Geological Survey of Brazil (CPRM), have played key roles in this sector. Geological surveys and economic feasibility studies are key steps in identifying viable deposits and developing efficient extraction and processing methods. The methodology used is based on an analysis of historical and scientific sources, highlighting the main challenges, such as the environmental contamination generated by mining waste. It is concluded that, for Brazil to recover and strengthen its position in the global rare earths market, it is essential to intensify the adoption of sustainable mining practices and advance technological innovation, as demonstrated by recent efforts in projects such as LabFabITR.