How Brazil’s Rare Earths Mine Illustrates China’s Grip Over Minerals

nytimes.comPublished: 4/16/2025

Summary

The article discusses a mine in rural Brazil that produces rare earth metals crucial for electric vehicles and military technology. American investors back the mine, which currently sells its output to China due to their processing capabilities. Amidst a trade war and concerns about Chinese dominance, the U.S. government wants to finance the mine's expansion, but it is already contracted with China, highlighting Beijing's strategic control over these vital resources.