Brazil detects high concentrations of rare earths in the Ribeira Belt

Serviço Geológico of Brasil identified concentrations considered relevant of rare earth elements in areas of Cinturão Ribeira, a geological formation that crosses parts of São Paulo, Paraná and Santa Catarina. The first results of the research showed samples with levels above 8,000 parts per million of total rare earths, a volume classified as high for this type of geological occurrence and which suggests significant mineral enrichment.

The discovery is part of research that is still in its initial phase, scheduled to end in 2027. The survey involved collecting soil and rocks, as well as analyzing and reinterpreting existing geochemical and geophysical data in several locations in the three regions.

Localidades where the analyzes were carried out

The fieldwork covered several municipalities in the three federative units. Em São Paulo, teams performed in Itupeva, Alumínio, Morungaba, Capão Bonito, Juquiá, Jacupiranga, Cajati, Itapirapuã Paulista and Cananéia. No Paraná, activities occurred on Cerro Azul, Castro, Carambeí and Tijucas of Sul. Santa Catarina had studies focused on Joinville and Garuva. The selection of these areas was based on a map of mineral potential developed by SGB itself.

Importância rare earth strategic

Terras rare correspond to a group of 17 chemical elements fundamental to the global technology industry. Esses materials are essential in the manufacture of batteries, electric cars, wind turbines, electronic equipment and defense systems. Eles exist in different regions of the planet and normally appear mixed with other ores, which makes the extraction process complex and costly.

• Aplicações industrial: batteries, electric vehicles, wind turbines
• Usos technological: advanced electronics and defense equipment
• Desafio of extraction: presence mixed with other minerals complicates processing
• Relevância geopolitics: strategic element disputed globally

Próximas research steps

Lucy Takehara, coordinator of SGB’s Projeto Terras Raras, explained that the next phase will be more detailed. “This first sampling phase was a regional study. Agora, in the areas where we identified higher levels, we will do more detail with more systematic sampling to also identify or confirm these anomalous levels”, he stated.

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The researcher warned that the presence of the elements does not automatically mean the existence of an economically viable deposit. Cinturão Ribeira was already known for the occurrence of minerals associated with rare earths, both in alkaline-carbonatite complexes and in granite formations.

Cronograma of new field campaigns

The project foresees new sampling campaigns later this year. Entre The municipalities in São Paulo that will receive the next analyzes are Sete Barras, Tapiraí, Piedade and Natividade from Serra. Investigations will continue to focus on the regions that presented the most significant results during the first mapping stage.

The research is part of Brazilian efforts to identify and characterize strategic mineral resources. Completion is scheduled for 2027, when consolidated data will allow a better understanding of the potential for rare earths in the national territory and in the specific geological formations of Cinturão Ribeira.