BRE Secures Strategic Partnership with SENAI CIMATEC

Rhea-AI Summary

Brazilian Rare Earths Limited (BRELY) has signed a binding agreement with SENAI CIMATEC to develop a laboratory and pilot plant facility in Bahia, Brazil. The partnership involves SENAI CIMATEC and partners providing R$8.2 million (~A$2.3 million) in funding, covering 58% of the project's total costs. The facility will be located at SENAI CIMATEC Industrial Development Park in Salvador, approximately 200 km from BRE's Monte Alto Project.

The pilot plant aims to optimize rare earth beneficiation processes for downstream development ahead of production. Commissioning is scheduled for mid-2026. The companies are also discussing potential collaboration on a commercial-scale hydrometallurgical and separation plant for processing rare earth concentrates into high-value products.

Positive

• Secured 58% external funding (R$8.2 million) for pilot plant development
• Strategic location near Monte Alto Project and largest petrochemical hub in Southern Hemisphere
• Potential expansion into commercial-scale processing facility
• Partnership with renowned Brazilian research institution enhances technical capabilities

Negative

• Pilot plant commissioning not expected until mid-2026
• Company still needs to fund 42% of the project costs

• Brazilian Rare Earths Limited has entered a binding agreement with SENAI CIMATEC, a leading Brazilian research and educational institution renowned for its technological capabilities, to jointly develop both a laboratory and a pilot plant facility in Bahia, Brazil
• SENAI CIMATEC and associated partner organizations will provide funding of approximately R$8.2 million (~A$2.3 million), covering 58% of the project's anticipated total capital and operational expenditures
• The facility will be strategically located within the SENAI CIMATEC Industrial Development Park in Salvador, Bahia, positioned approximately 200 km from BRE’s Monte Alto Project and near the Camaçari Petrochemical Complex - the largest petrochemical hub in the Southern Hemisphere
• The pilot plant and laboratory partnership will enable BRE to optimise rare earth beneficiation processes to support downstream process development ahead of production

SYDNEY, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brazilian Rare Earths Limited (ASX: BRE / OTCQX: BRELY) (‘BRE’) is pleased to announce that it has signed a binding agreement with SENAI CIMATEC for the joint development of both a bench-scale laboratory and a pilot plant for the beneficiation of BRE’s high-grade rare earth ores.

The pilot plant development marks a significant milestone in BRE's strategy to optimise rare earth mineral processing and separation. Development studies are now underway, with commissioning of the facility scheduled for mid 2026. SENAI CIMATEC and associated partner organizations will provide funding of approximately R$8.2 million (~A$2.3 million), covering 58% of the project's anticipated total capital and operational expenditures.

BRE and SENAI CIMATEC are actively discussing further potential collaboration on constructing a commercial-scale hydrometallurgical and separation plant to process rare earth concentrates into high-value separated rare earth and critical element products.

Brazilian Rare Earths’ CEO and MD, Bernardo da Veiga, commented:

“This strategic partnership with SENAI CIMATEC accelerates our in-country technical development capabilities and reinforces our commitment to unlock full value from our rare earth assets. We highly value the financial support and technical expertise provided by SENAI CIMATEC and look forward to this collaborative partnership.”

About SENAI CIMATEC

SENAI CIMATEC, based in Salvador, Bahia, operates as a leading Brazilian hub for technology, innovation, and industrial development. The institution specializes in robotics, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, mineral and mining technologies. SENAI CIMATEC maintains cooperative research agreements with renowned global institutions including MIT, the University of Virginia, and the Fraunhofer Institute.

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

What is the value of SENAI CIMATEC's funding for BRELY's pilot plant project?

SENAI CIMATEC and partners will provide R$8.2 million (~A$2.3 million), covering 58% of the project's total capital and operational expenditures.

When will BRELY's rare earth pilot plant be commissioned?

The pilot plant facility is scheduled for commissioning in mid-2026.

Where will BRELY's new rare earth pilot plant be located?

The facility will be located at SENAI CIMATEC Industrial Development Park in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, approximately 200 km from BRE's Monte Alto Project.

What is the purpose of BRELY's partnership with SENAI CIMATEC?

The partnership aims to develop a laboratory and pilot plant facility to optimize rare earth beneficiation processes and support downstream process development ahead of production.

What are the future expansion plans for BRELY and SENAI CIMATEC's partnership?

The companies are discussing potential collaboration on constructing a commercial-scale hydrometallurgical and separation plant to process rare earth concentrates into high-value separated rare earth products.