"No One Lays a Hand on It," Says Lula Amid U.S. interest in Brazil's Strategic Minerals
Vice President Geraldo Alckmin says the Brazilian government "has not left the negotiating table"
Jul.25.2025 7:56AM
The chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy, Gabriel Escobar, stated that the American government is interested in critical materials found in Brazilian territory. The topic was discussed this week during a meeting with private sector representatives.
Participants did not hear a direct connection in Escobar’s remarks between the mineral interest and negotiations over the 50% tariff. Still, they see an opportunity for the issue to enter discussions on imports and exports.
Business representatives emphasized that any interest from the U.S. government in the matter must be reported to the Brazilian government. According to the Constitution, the Union is responsible for deciding on the use of national subsoil resources.
At an event in Minas Gerais, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva delivered a speech emphasizing Brazil's sovereignty.
"We have the largest rainforest in the world to protect. We have oil, our gold, all the rich minerals you want to protect — and here, no one lays a hand on it. All I ask is that the American government respects the Brazilian people," he said.
More:
https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/internacional/en/world/2025/07/no-one-lays-a-hand-on-it-says-lula-amid-us-interest-in-brazils-strategic-minerals.shtml
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