The global race for critical minerals is gaining momentum as countries strive to combat climate change and transition to cleaner energy sources. Brazil, with its vast reserves of essential minerals, is eyeing investment opportunities to boost its mining sector. This movement comes at a time when the urgency to reduce carbon emissions is paramount and will be a key topic at COP30 in Belém.
According to the US Geological Survey’s 2025 Mineral Commodity Summaries, Brazil has advanced in global rankings for rare earths and lithium, highlighting its significance in the critical minerals landscape. Marcelo Carvalho, from the Australian company Meteoric, emphasizes the importance of rare earth elements in the production of magnets for electric vehicles and wind turbines, essential components for the energy transition.
Brazil’s prominence in critical minerals extends to niobium, graphite, nickel, and manganese, vital materials for various industries including electrification, mobility, and steelmaking. CBMM, the world’s largest niobium producer, is a key player in this sector, investing significantly in technology and innovation to drive sustainable energy solutions.
Vale, a major player in the mining industry, is actively contributing to reducing CO₂ emissions by supplying high-quality iron ore, nickel, and copper. The company’s ambitious plans to increase nickel and copper production align with the growing demand for critical minerals driven by the expanding electricity grid and the rise of electric vehicles.
The Energy Research Company projects a significant surge in demand for critical minerals by 2034, underscoring the need for countries like Brazil to enhance their mining capabilities. Serra Verde Pesquisa e Mineração’s strategic position as a rare earth elements producer outside Asia further highlights Brazil’s potential in the global market.
Despite promising projects, regulatory challenges hinder Brazil’s transition from a commodity exporter to a value-added minerals producer. Efforts to streamline regulations and stimulate investment, such as the BNDES’s Critical Minerals Fund and public calls for strategic mineral investments, indicate a shift towards a more innovative and sustainable mining industry in Brazil.
The MME’s initiatives, including the Guide for Foreign Investors in Critical Minerals and the proposed National Policy on Critical and Strategic Minerals, underscore Brazil’s commitment to leveraging its mineral resources for the energy transition. As the world focuses on sustainability and decarbonization, Brazil’s strategic position in critical minerals presents significant opportunities for growth and leadership in combating climate change.
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