Brazilian Senate Advances National Policy on Critical Minerals Amid Global Interest

The Brazilian Senate's Commission on Economic Affairs (CAE) has resumed discussions on a crucial bill establishing a National Policy on Critical and Strategic Minerals, aiming to position Brazil prominently in essential supply chains for energy transition technologies. This legislative activity, involving bill PL 4443/2025 authored by Senator Renan Calheiros (MDB-AL), follows a recent postponement as the rapporteur, Senator Esperidião Amin (PP-SC), sought additional input from mining and industry stakeholders.

The proposed legislation is designed to create a Brazilian List of Critical and Strategic Minerals, including key elements such as lithium, nickel, graphite, and rare earths, vital for manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels, and semiconductors. It outlines guidelines to secure the supply of these materials and suggests various support mechanisms like financing lines and incentives for research and innovation. The bill also introduces the concept of Mineral Transformation Processing Zones (ZPTMs), special zones with simplified licensing to foster processing and industrialization within Brazil.

Following stakeholder demands, Amin reopened the period for amendment submissions, although both he and other senators have emphasized the need to accelerate the legislative process to ensure the Senate finalizes its version ahead of similar proceedings in the Chamber of Deputies. Senator Wilder Morais (PL-GO), who is preparing to report on the bill in the Infrastructure Services Commission (CI), advocates for a comprehensive yet swift approval process, inclusive of public hearings but excluding unnecessary delays.

This renewed legislative effort coincides with heightened international interest, particularly from the United States under President Donald Trump's administration, highlighting the strategic importance of Brazil's mineral resources in the global energy transition context. Senate discussions on the national policy reflect an urgent response to vulnerabilities in the mineral sector, recognizing its economic and technological significance.

The Senate's broader agenda alongside this policy debate includes other significant social and economic issues, such as the proposal for a medical proficiency exam and hearings on violence against journalists and sustainable fishing, underscoring the institution's active role in addressing diverse national priorities.