Viridis Mining and Minerals Limited has announced a significant advancement in its strategy to establish Latin America’s first rare earth refining and recycling hub through its Brazilian joint venture, Viridion Rare Earth Technologies Ltda. The Municipality of Poços de Caldas in Minas Gerais, Brazil, has granted an industrial land parcel of 2,071m² within a purpose-built industrial zone. This government-endorsed step paves the way for the development of the Centre for Rare Earths Innovation, Technology and Recycling (CRITR), a demonstration-scale facility targeting processing capabilities for high-purity rare earth oxides including neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium. The facility, scheduled to commence operations in the second half of 2026, is designed to handle both Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate produced from the company’s Colossus demonstration plant and recycled NdFeB magnets collected from Brazil’s growing industrial and e-waste streams. Utilizing advanced hydrometallurgical and solvent extraction processes, the hub aims to achieve rare earth oxide purities of 99.5% or greater. Key technical indicators include a planned feed capacity of up to 30 tonnes per annum and a phased development investment of approximately R$51 million. The facility’s design incorporates closed-loop water and reagent systems, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable practices and low-carbon operations. In addition to strong local government support, Viridis is well positioned to secure funding through federal initiatives led by Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social Development and the federal innovation funding agency. This comes as part of a broader national effort to invest in critical mineral projects, with funding programs valued at around R$5 billion and an additional R$3 billion support package for research, development, and innovation. These initiatives underscore the strategic importance of establishing a domestic, vertically integrated rare earth supply chain to support Brazil’s industrial ambitions and clean energy goals. The recent announcement indicates a bullish sentiment for the project due to its alignment with national strategies for technological sovereignty, job creation, and sustainable industrialization. Government approvals at both municipal and federal levels, combined with sound technical processes and strategic financing discussions, present an attractive growth prospect for stakeholders. However, the project also faces certain bearish aspects, such as the execution risks associated with large-scale capital projects, the need for finalization of project financing arrangements, and the regulatory and permitting hurdles that remain to be fully addressed. For beginner traders, the combination of robust government backing and advanced technical developments offers a compelling case, even as they remain mindful of the inherent uncertainties in the execution phase.