According to BNAmericas, the Brazilian government is developing a comprehensive strategy for its critical and strategic minerals sector, with a strong emphasis on improving the business environment to attract investment and enhance global competitiveness.

Recently, the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) met with representatives from ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency) to discuss a plan aimed at elevating Brazil’s position in the global critical and strategic minerals market.

“Critical and strategic minerals are essential for advancing the energy transition and developing new technologies,” said Ana Paula Bittencourt, Secretary of Geology, Mining, and Mineral Processing at MME.
“Our goal is not just extraction—we aim to create the conditions for Brazil to become a hub for industrialization, innovation, and value-added processing.”

She added, “We want to expand international partnerships and attract investment to scale up domestic production and position Brazil as a global player in this sector.” The ministry emphasized that Brazil remains an attractive, reliable, and competitive destination for long-term investment.

Policy Framework and Timeline

In parallel with outreach through ApexBrasil, the government is refining its regulatory framework.
Gustavo Masili, Commissioner for Strategic Minerals and Energy Transition at MME, revealed that Brazil intends to finalize a National Policy on Critical and Strategic Minerals by the end of 2025, designed to support both the energy transition and food security.

The policy will encompass:

• Advanced geological mapping

• Priority licensing procedures

• Fiscal incentives and financial support

• Workforce training programs

• Infrastructure development

• Measures to attract international investment

Speaking at a recent seminar organized by the Chamber of Deputies, Masili stressed:

“The world needs to expand supply of critical minerals essential for the energy transition. Brazil is willing—and able—to meet this demand. But we also want to add value within Brazil. We must incentivize not just mining, but also mineral processing and manufacturing.”

Brazil’s Strategic Mineral Endowments

The Ministry of Environment has published a list of 22 strategic minerals, reflecting Brazil’s significant resource base. The country is:

• The world’s largest producer of niobium

• Among the top global producers of vanadium, graphite, silicon/quartz, aluminum/bauxite, lithium, manganese, and nickel

• The 10th-largest holder of rare earth element reserves worldwide

With abundant resources and a clear policy direction, Brazil aims to move beyond raw material exports and become a value-adding leader in the global critical minerals supply chain.

(Source: Ministry of Natural Resources)