Brazil Senate Committee Approves Policy to Boost Domestic Processing of Critical Minerals
Brazil's Senate committee has approved a comprehensive policy to promote domestic processing and industrialization of critical and strategic minerals, ensuring sustainable supply and industrial growth.
- • On December 9, 2025, the Senate Economic Affairs Committee approved the National Policy for Critical and Strategic Minerals.
- • At least 80% of extracted rare earth minerals must be processed in Brazil.
- • The list of critical minerals will be regularly updated by the federal government.
- • Amendments include new regulatory measures and incentives to boost domestic mineral processing.
Key details
On December 9, 2025, Brazil's Senate Economic Affairs Committee (CAE) approved a pivotal legislative proposal to establish a National Policy for Critical and Strategic Minerals. This initiative targets enhancing Brazil’s capacity to process and industrialize its mineral resources domestically, securing a sustainable supply chain vital for national industries. The policy mandates that at least 80% of rare earth elements—essential for sectors like mobility, defense, electronics, and energy transition—must be processed within Brazil. Senator Esperidião Amin, who proposed the substitute project incorporating eight out of nine amendments to the original bill, emphasized the importance of a continuous state policy for mineral beneficiation. The federal government will regularly update the list of critical minerals to guide incentives such as mineral processing zones, tax benefits, and public-private partnerships. The policy also classifies copper and nuclear minerals as strategic and introduces traceability measures detailing mineral origin and volume. Additionally, amendments to the mining code aim to curb speculative retention by reducing authorized exploration areas by at least 50% during second research extensions. The Ministry of Mines and Energy is tasked with regulating the policy aligned with national energy transition and technological sovereignty goals. This comprehensive strategy reflects Brazil's commitment to strengthening its mineral sector and industrial autonomy.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.