Viridis Mining and Minerals Limited has been chosen by two major Brazilian institutions, the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) and the Federal Agency for Funding Authority for Studies and Projects in Brazil (FINEP), to access potential funding from a US $903 million package aimed at strategic minerals linked to the energy transition. The Brazilian government’s initiative, which is backed by an initial allocation of BRL $5 billion and an additional BRL $3 billion dedicated to innovation centers, targets companies operating in critical mineral value chains. Viridis and its joint venture, Viridion Pty Ltd, will focus on accelerating the development of its Colossus Project along with its downstream refining and recycling facilities, harnessing proven technology to deliver high-purity rare earth oxides. The funds are expected to finance several key aspects of project development, including the construction of pilot and commercial plants, metallurgical testing, research and development, engineering feasibility studies, and the acquisition of long lead equipment necessary for commercial production. The company’s proposal stood out due to the maturity of its project designs, the robustness of its economic feasibility, and its downstream processing agility. This selection positions Viridis to play a pivotal role amid rising global tensions due to China's rare earth export restrictions and the growing demand for a diversified, secure supply chain. Viridis is concurrently advancing a series of initiatives to drive the Colossus Project forward. Along with nearing the completion of a detailed pre-feasibility study in collaboration with Hatch, the company is working on obtaining environmental and installation licenses. It continues active discussions with potential off-takers, financial institutions, and strategic partners to secure project financing, reinforcing the technical and commercial strengths highlighted in previous project updates. The resource estimate improvements and robust scoping study outcomes further underline the project's resilience through commodity cycles and its potential for near-term production. In terms of market sentiment, the news is largely bullish. The endorsement by BNDES and FINEP, along with the infusion potential of significant funding, supports an accelerated timeline and validates the company's integrated rare earth supply chain strategy outside of China. Additionally, the proven delivery of rare earth oxides to key Latin American customers enhances confidence in the project’s technical capabilities. On the bearish side, risks persist in the form of potential delays in finalizing the funding structure, regulatory uncertainties associated with environmental licensing, and the broader market’s sensitivity to commodity price fluctuations. Nonetheless, the selection and forthcoming funding reviews indicate a positive outlook for strategic advancement in this critical sector.