Brazil has accumulated 2,727 rare-earth exploration applications, 42% involving foreign capital. At least a quarter overlap or lie near 283 protected areas and Indigenous territories as the country debates licensing, domestic processing and mineral sovereignty.
Resolution 0961 declared 483,283 km² of the Amazon biome a permanent reserve and excluded new mining concessions and hydrocarbon contracts. The measure protects forests, water and biodiversity while respecting pre-existing rights, other regulated uses and Indigenous territories.
Vale says the lack of implementing rules for cave classification is blocking projects in Carajás. The debate pits demand for strategic minerals against protection of ecosystems, aquifers and scientific heritage that may be irreplaceable.