Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad said the government wants to move beyond exporting raw critical minerals and start processing higher-value rare earths at home, but lacks the necessary technology. Speaking after a meeting with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Wednesday, Haddad told reporters that developing domestic capacity to add value to the mineral supply chain topped their agenda. Haddad urged Brazil to form partnerships with foreign governments and companies that can provide the expertise and equipment required to process and refine minerals used in electric vehicles, wind turbines and other clean-energy technologies. He did not name prospective partners or outline a timetable, but said the administration is prioritizing agreements that would keep more of the minerals’ economic benefits in the country. Brazil is among the world’s largest suppliers of iron ore and other raw materials but currently ships most critical minerals abroad in unprocessed form. The Lula government has been looking for ways to diversify the economy, attract high-tech investment and ensure access to strategic inputs as global demand for rare earth elements rises.