Rare Earths Push: Rainbow Rare Earths started a pre-feasibility study for its Uberaba project in Minas Gerais with Mosaic, aiming to define an on-site processing plant to treat about 2.7m tonnes of phosphogypsum waste annually, with study work tied to a maiden JORC resource estimate and completion expected in 2H 2027. Critical Minerals Policy: Brazil’s rare earth push also shows up in the wider policy backdrop as the country tightens control over mining and advances rules meant to boost exploration and processing capacity. Grid Storage Race: Brazil’s battery auction design is already reshaping manufacturing plans, with major players moving to localize BESS production in Brazil—an approach India is watching as it drafts its own tenders. Payments & Fintech: Ant International secured a Payment Institution licence from Brazil’s central bank, expanding Antom’s ability to offer PIX and cross-border payment and account services to merchants and SMEs. Food Prices Pressure: FAO reported global food prices rose 1.9% in August to the highest since 2022, driven by weather, Black Sea logistics disruptions and Middle East tensions—key for Brazil’s agribusiness planning. Environmental Watch: Scientists flagged long-term groundwater drops under Brazil’s eucalyptus plantations, adding fuel to sustainability debates around industrial forestry.