Brazil Steps Into the Rare Earth Spotlight with Strategic Ion-Adsorption Clays, Says Landmark UNICAMP Study

Highlights

• New peer-reviewed study reveals Brazil ranks 5th globally in ion-adsorption clay research.
• Brazil has 24 active IAC projects converting science into operational mines like Serra Verde.
• These projects could reshape global rare earth supply chains.
• Ion-adsorption clays account for over 95% of the world's heavy rare earth production.
• They use lower-carbon ion-exchange leaching, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional hard rock mining methods.
• Brazil's alignment of mineral development with UN Sustainable Development Goals positions it as the most viable non-Chinese pathway for ethical, resilient rare earth supply.
• The country plays a crucial role amid growing Western demand for supply chain diversification.

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In a major contribution to the global rare earth discourse, a new peer-reviewed study led by Anna Beatriz Gomes Tetzner and her team at the Institute of Geosciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP) (opens in a new tab), presents compelling evidence that Brazil is rapidly emerging as a critical hub in the global shift toward sustainable rare earth element (REE) supply. Published in the Journal of the Geological Survey of Brazil, the study maps global research trends in REEs—specifically ion-adsorption clay (IAC) deposits—and analyzes their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The key takeaway? Brazil is uniquely positioned to challenge China’s dominance by leveraging both geological potential and policy alignment.

Study Methods: Connecting the Science to the Sustainability Agenda

The researchers performed a bibliometric and systematic review of global scientific literature from 1973 to 2024 using Scopus and Web of Science databases. The final portfolio included 811 peer-reviewed studies, analyzed via VOSviewer to cluster research themes and trace co-occurring terms like “ion-adsorption clay,” “sustainability,” and “REE recovery.” The team also surveyed 37 active REE projects in Brazil, 24 of which focus on IACs, cross-referencing technical data and government reports.

Key Findings: A Field Matures—And Brazil Rises

• Scientific interest in IACs exploded after 2015—marking the launch of the SDGs—with 91.5% of all IAC-related publications occurring in the past decade.
• China leads in publications, but Brazil now ranks 5th globally, ahead of major players like Canada, Russia, and the UK.
• Brazil is not just publishing—it’s building. Projects like Serra Verde (operational), Caldeira, and Colossus in Poços de Caldas are converting research into reality

Crucially, IACs account for over 95% of the world’s production of heavy REEs—like dysprosium and terbium—used in high-performance magnets. Unlike hard rock mining, IACs allow extraction via ion-exchange leaching with brine solutions, a less intensive process with a lower carbon footprint. The study finds this method aligns better with SDGs on clean energy (SDG 7), water management (SDG 6), and sustainable industry (SDG 9)

Implications: A New Rare Earth Map?

For a Western audience, the significance is hard to overstate. As China continues to dominate REE separation and export policy, Brazil may offer the most viable non-Chinese pathway to scale up sustainable heavy REE supply. The study also documents a surge in public-private partnerships and international investment in Brazil’s IAC deposits—indicating growing trust in the country’s regulatory and scientific infrastructure.

Limitations and Controversies

The study acknowledges that IACs are not inherently sustainable; their environmental footprint depends on how they are mined. Historical IAC extraction in China led to severe land and water degradation. Without proper safeguards, Brazilian projects risk repeating those mistakes. Furthermore, lifecycle assessments (LCAs) reveal that radioactivity and chemical waste in the leaching stage remain challenges.

Conclusion: Brazil’s Strategic Moment

This study underscores a pivotal shift in the global rare earth narrative. No longer just a China story, the future of REE supply may hinge on how countries like Brazil deploy science, policy, and sustainability together. By aligning mineral development with the 2030 Agenda, Brazil is not only challenging market concentration—it’s redefining what ethical, resilient resource extraction looks like.

Source: Tetzner,A. B. G. et al. (2026). Rare Earth Elements, Sustainability, and Ion-Adsorption Clay: A Bibliometric Study on Global Trends and Brazil’s Prominence. Journal of the Geological Survey of Brazil, Vol. 9, No. 1. DOI: https://doi.org/10.29396/jgsb.2026.v9.n1.2 (opens in a new tab)

This summary is based on a pre-proof version of the study and may be subject to minor changes upon final publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the final version for citation or policy use.

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