Chinese media outlet Guancha.cn reported on the 28th, publishing an article about the production of rare earth permanent magnets, stating, "Production using Brazilian raw materials will be 2032 at the earliest."

According to the article, which cited a report by Hong Kong media outlet South China Morning Post, Faria, coordinator of a magnet pilot plant at a research institute under the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) of Brazil, expressed the view that it would be difficult for Brazil to produce rare earth permanent magnets using its own raw materials before 2032.

While the first products are expected to be unveiled at the plant by the end of 2028, the raw materials depend on imports. Considering the entire chain from mining to refining and magnet production, the timeframe for achieving independent production could be delayed to 2032-2035.

According to Faria, the plant currently adopts Asian production technology, and processed ore from overseas is fed into the furnaces. Although Brazil is a major exporter of iron ore, it does not produce the high-purity electrolytic iron required for permanent magnets.

Rare earth permanent magnets are core components for electric vehicles (EVs), wind power generation, industrial robots, and precision equipment. Following China's introduction of export restrictions on some medium and heavy rare earths and permanent magnets in April 2025, various countries are accelerating their search for alternative supply sources.

Brazil's rare earth reserves rank second in the world, but its production volume accounts for only about 0.02% of the global total.

According to the article, the aforementioned Faria pointed out that "contracts, funding, technology, and time are still needed to convert reserves into actual production capacity."

The article also conveyed reports regarding China, stating, "Brazil is likely to continue to play the role of an ore supplier in the short term, and it will be difficult for it to rapidly transition into an alternative producer of rare earth permanent magnets. China's advantages across the entire rare earth industry chain are expected to be maintained for a long time to come."