BRE Secures Final Operating Permit for Rare Earth Pilot Plant

Rhea-AI Summary

Brazilian Rare Earths (OTCQX:BRELY) has secured the final regulatory permit from Brazil's National Authority on Nuclear Safety (ANSN) for its rare earth pilot plant operations at the Camaçari Petrochemical Complex in Bahia. The pilot plant, expected to commence operations in mid-2026, will optimize beneficiation and hydrometallurgy processes for the company's high-grade rare earth mineralization.

The strategic location within Brazil's largest petrochemical complex offers several advantages, including streamlined permitting, established infrastructure, access to low-cost process reagents, and skilled workforce. The facility will be positioned approximately 260km northeast of the Monte Alto Project, supporting the company's path from rare earth discovery to commercial development.

Positive

• Obtained final regulatory permit from ANSN for rare earth pilot plant operations
• Strategic location in Brazil's largest petrochemical complex offering operational advantages
• Access to established infrastructure, low-cost reagents, and skilled workforce
• Streamlined permitting processes and mature regulatory oversight in place

Negative

• Operations not expected to commence until mid-2026
• Plant still in pilot phase, not yet at commercial scale

• Final regulatory milestone achieved: Brazil’s National Authority on Nuclear Safety (ANSN) has issued the final regulatory permit for BRE’s rare earth beneficiation and hydrometallurgy pilot plant facilities to be located within the Camaçari Petrochemical Complex, Bahia
• Experienced execution advantage: Successful ANSN outcome supported by experienced regulator engagement, strong in-country relationships and rigorous planning
• Rare earth pilot plant supports commercialisation: Pilot plant will optimise beneficiation and hydrometallurgy pathways for BRE’s high-grade and ultra-high grade rare earth mineralisation, confirm technical parameters, and support downstream rare earth separation process opportunities
• Strategic industrial location: Positioned within the Camaçari Petrochemical Complex, Brazil’s largest petrochemical complex, to deliver operational advantages, coordinated permitting, world-class infrastructure, low-cost process reagents, and access to skilled workforce

SYDNEY, Sept. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brazilian Rare Earths Limited (ASX: BRE / OTCQX: BRELY) (‘BRE’) announces that it has received final operating authorisation from Brazil’s National Authority on Nuclear Safety (ANSN, formerly CNEN) to operate its rare earth pilot plant and laboratory facility within the Camaçari Petrochemical Complex, Bahia.

This approval is the final regulatory permit required to commence pilot operations which are expected in mid-2026. The rare earth pilot plant will optimise beneficiation and hydrometallurgy processes for BRE’s high-grade and ultra-high grade rare earth mineralisation, confirm technical parameters, and support downstream process development ahead of potential future industrial-scale operations. ANSN is the national nuclear safety authority which rigorously assessed nuclear-related components to the highest standards.

Advantages of the Camaçari Petrochemical Complex

BRE plans to locate future industrial-scale rare earths processing within the Camaçari Petrochemical Complex, approximately 260km northeast of the Monte Alto Project. Siting the pilot plant within this established chemical and industrial park is expected to streamline permitting, reduce developmental timelines and enhance the commercial competitiveness of a future commercial scale rare earths processing plant:

• Operational Certainty: Established, large-scale industrial complex with mature regulatory oversight for advanced chemical and metallurgical businesses
• Coordinated Permitting: Developed, streamlined environmental, safety, and industrial permitting processes across Federal and State agencies
• World‑Class Infrastructure: Immediate access to industrial utilities, port/roads, power and specialised industrial services
• Low-Cost Feedstocks: Access to chemical/reagent producers enables supply chain cost efficiencies and technical collaboration
• Skilled Workforce: Strong talent base experienced in highly specialised industrial operations
  

BRE Managing Director and CEO, Bernardo da Veiga, commented:

“Selecting Camaçari was a deliberate choice. Brazil’s largest petrochemical and industrial complex brings coordinated permitting, world-class infrastructure and a skilled workforce, all of which shorten timelines and lower risk. This Federal authorisation highlights our strong government engagement and confirms we can operate to the highest safety standards as we move decisively from rare earth discovery to development.”

A link to the full announcement can be found here.

Contacts

Bernardo Da Veiga, Managing Director and CEO

investors@brazilianrareearths.com
www.brazilianrareearths.com

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FAQ

When will Brazilian Rare Earths (BRELY) start operations at its new pilot plant?

The rare earth pilot plant is expected to commence operations in mid-2026 at the Camaçari Petrochemical Complex in Bahia, Brazil.

What permits has BRELY received for its rare earth pilot plant?

BRELY has received the final operating authorization from Brazil's National Authority on Nuclear Safety (ANSN), which was the last regulatory permit required to commence pilot operations.

Where is BRELY's rare earth pilot plant located?

The pilot plant will be located within the Camaçari Petrochemical Complex in Bahia, Brazil, approximately 260km northeast of the Monte Alto Project.

What is the purpose of BRELY's rare earth pilot plant?

The pilot plant will optimize beneficiation and hydrometallurgy processes for BRE's high-grade rare earth mineralization, confirm technical parameters, and support downstream process development for future industrial-scale operations.

What advantages does the Camaçari Petrochemical Complex location offer BRELY?

The location offers streamlined permitting, world-class infrastructure, low-cost process reagents, access to skilled workforce, and operational certainty within an established industrial complex.