Why is Viridis Mining choosing to sell rare earths exclusively to U.S. and European buyers instead of China?

Viridis CEO Rafael Moreno stated the company took 'a stance pretty early on to go down the Western route' to avoid price suppression by China, believing it will 'get better value for our products' as supply chains diversify away from China; he emphasized that discussions with investors and lenders have focused on keeping the project outside Chinese supply chains.

What is the significance of Viridis opening its rare earth research and processing center in Poços de Caldas, Brazil?

The center — inaugurated as Viridis prepares Colossus mine for steady-state production by end-2028 — will produce the mine's first mixed rare earth carbonate (containing neodymium, terbium, etc.) and support offtake negotiations; it is expected to process up to 100 kilograms of ore per hour.

Brazil rare earths miner Viridis to sell to US, European buyers, not China, CEO says

May 28, 2026

Viridis Mining plans to sell rare earths from its Brazilian Colossus project exclusively to Western buyers, bypassing China. The company inaugurated a processing center in Pocos de Caldas, targeting steady-state production by late 2028 with a $370 million investment.

reuters

2026-05-28

Brazil rare earths miner Viridis to sell to US, European buyers, not China, CEO says

Brazil rare earths miner Viridis to sell to US, European buyers, not China, CEO says

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