Brazil Prioritizes Implementation of National Policy for Critical and Strategic Minerals

Brazil's federal government is giving "absolute priority" to the implementation of the National Policy for Critical and Strategic Minerals, as announced by Minister of Development, Industry and Commerce Márcio Elias Rosa during a seminar at the Chamber of Deputies on October 3. The recently enacted Law 15.506/26 regulates the exploration, processing, and transformation of essential minerals like niobium, lithium, and rare earth elements, crucial for the production of high-tech devices such as smartphones and electric vehicles.

The government aims to leverage Brazil's substantial reserves to add greater value to mineral extraction and invigorate the national industry. Initial regulatory decrees have been issued, including the establishment of the National Council for the Industrialization of the Sector (CIMCE), with its first meeting expected within a month. Minister Rosa emphasized the importance of defining a rotating list of critical minerals and formulating a national strategy to guide production chains, without excluding any based on current demand.

The legislation introduces financial and regulatory mechanisms such as low-carbon certificates and mandates investment obligations, supporting sustainable mining practices. The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) announced a financing fund targeting R$ 2 billion to encourage new mining projects. The law also integrates socio-environmental safeguards aligning with Brazil's ecological transformation goals.

Deputy Arnaldo Jardim, leading the Special Commission on Energy Transition, highlighted the law's scope in fostering research and development incentives. Rafael Dubeux from the Ministry of Finance underscored critical minerals’ role in achieving Brazil's ecological targets. Deputy Zé Silva noted growing international interest in Brazil's rare earth resources, while National Mining Agency Director-General Mauro Henrique Moreira Sousa called for stronger agency capacity to ensure effective law enforcement.

This policy framework positions Brazil strategically amid rising global demand for critical minerals projected well into 2040 and 2050, aiming to balance industrial growth with environmental responsibility while bolstering national economic development.