Viridis Sets 2026 Start for Rare Earth Demonstration Plant in Brazil
Viridis Mining and Minerals has secured a prime site and finalized key contracts for its Rare Earth Research and Processing Centre in Brazil, positioning itself as a critical Western-aligned rare earth supplier amid tightening Chinese export controls.
- Strategic site secured in Poços de Caldas industrial park, Brazil
- Large-scale mixed rare earth carbonate demonstration plant to begin operations Q2 2026
- Excludes Chinese technology and equipment to avoid export control risks
- Demonstration plant designed to de-risk scale-up and accelerate commercial readiness
- Environmental approvals, DFS, financing, and offtake discussions underway targeting FID in Q3 2026
Strategic Site and Contracts Finalized
Viridis Mining and Minerals Limited has taken a significant step forward in its rare earths ambitions by securing a strategically located site within the Poços de Caldas industrial park in Brazil. This location, close to its Northern Concessions resource and the Viridion Centre for Rare Earths Innovation, Technology and Recycling, offers a consolidated hub for research, demonstration, and future commercial operations. The company has also finalized all major engineering, construction, and equipment contracts, setting the stage for rapid development.
The Rare Earth Research and Processing Centre (CPTR) will house a mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) demonstration plant designed to validate Viridis’ proprietary processing technology. This facility is intended to bridge the gap between laboratory success and commercial-scale production, providing critical data and operator training capabilities.
Accelerated Demonstration Plant Strategy
In a departure from the traditional pilot plant approach, Viridis has opted to build a larger-scale demonstration plant with a feed capacity of 100 kilograms per hour of run-of-mine ore. This decision, supported by extensive engineering collaboration with Hatch and input from potential offtake partners, aims to minimize scale-up risks and fast-track commercial readiness.
The plant’s design incorporates advanced features such as reagent and water recovery systems to reduce operating costs and environmental impact, as well as residue management aligned with best-practice sustainability standards. Construction is expected to complete by the end of the first quarter of 2026, with full operations commencing in the second quarter.
Geopolitical Context and Supply Chain Independence
Viridis’ strategic choice to exclude Chinese technology, equipment, and design from both the CPTR and future commercial facilities is a direct response to recent Chinese rare earth export controls that have introduced new uncertainties into global supply chains. These controls, which include veto powers over products containing rare earths, have heightened the urgency for Western-aligned sources of critical minerals.
By positioning the Colossus Project as a technically advanced and geopolitically independent rare earth development, Viridis is carving out a vital role in strengthening supply chain resilience for clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and defense sectors. The project’s high-grade magnetic rare earth oxide profile and scalable resource base further enhance its strategic importance.
Next Steps and Market Implications
Viridis is actively progressing environmental permitting, with a Preliminary Licence expected soon following the submission of its Environmental Impact Assessment earlier this year. The company has also commenced a definitive feasibility study (DFS) with Hatch, targeting completion by mid-2026. Concurrently, Viridis is engaging with strategic investors, government agencies, and potential offtake partners to secure financing and commercial agreements ahead of a Final Investment Decision slated for the third quarter of 2026.
These developments underscore Viridis’ commitment to delivering a commercially viable, environmentally responsible rare earth processing operation that can compete globally without reliance on artificial price supports or Chinese supply chains.
Bottom Line?
Viridis’ strategic moves position it as a key Western rare earth supplier, but success hinges on regulatory approvals and financing in the coming months.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Viridis navigate environmental permitting challenges in Brazil?
- What are the prospects for securing offtake agreements amid evolving global rare earth demand?
- Could further geopolitical shifts impact Viridis’ supply chain independence strategy?
