Brazil's National Policy for Critical Minerals Faces Political Tensions Amid New Advisory Council Initiatives
Brazil's National Policy for Critical Minerals faces political disagreements even as a new advisory council is established to guide strategic mineral policy development.
- • Deputy Arnaldo Jardim presented a preliminary report addressing private sector demands including expedited environmental licensing and tax exemptions.
- • Minister Alexandre Silveira emphasized the need for synergy between Executive and Legislative branches and may propose a government text if consensus is not reached.
- • The National Council of Mineral Policy held its first meeting and will advise the President, comprising multiple ministries and civil society.
- • A public consultation on the National Plan for Critical and Strategic Minerals will be launched within 60 days, marking key steps in policy formulation.
Key details
Brazil is grappling with political tensions between the federal government and Congress over the National Policy for Critical Minerals, even as new administrative steps are underway to advance the sector's strategic framework. On October 14, Deputy Arnaldo Jardim presented a preliminary legislative report aimed at easing private sector concerns through measures like accelerated environmental licensing, tax exemptions for trademarks and patents, and the creation of a guarantee fund to support mining investments. However, consensus remains elusive, with Minister of Mines and Energy Alexandre Silveira acknowledging ongoing disagreements and the potential for the government to propose its own policy draft if legislative alignment fails.
Parallel to legislative efforts, the federal government inaugurated the National Council of Mineral Policy (CNPM) on October 16. This council—a direct advisory body to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva—includes 16 ministries as well as civil society and academic representatives, signaling a multi-stakeholder approach to mineral governance. The CNPM has established a working group dedicated to critical and strategic minerals, highlighting the importance of these resources in Brazil’s energy transition strategies. Additionally, a public consultation on the forthcoming National Plan for Critical and Strategic Minerals is slated to launch within 60 days, aiming to build a comprehensive and updated framework for the sector.
President Lula has urged for a thorough reassessment of Brazil's mineral wealth, noting the current lack of a structured national policy. He stressed the need for Brazil to engage in informed and beneficial international agreements, including those with the United States, to better position the country in the global mineral market.
The tension between branches arises partly from perceptions within Congress that the Executive seeks undue credit as policy author, despite ongoing legislative progress. Mining companies echo concerns about the government’s approach to policy ownership. Despite this, Minister Silveira remains focused on finding synergies between Executive and Legislative roles, balancing regulatory rigor and economic incentives. The CNPM also plans to address regulatory improvements, financial guarantees, and oversight enhancements for mineral projects.
As of mid-October, Brazil's approach to critical minerals is at a crossroads with active political negotiations, new advisory structures, and impending public dialogue poised to shape the country’s strategic mineral policies in the months ahead.