Brazil Installs National Mining Policy Council, Prioritizing Critical Minerals and Domestic Supply Chains

Council Officially Installed

Brazil's National Mining Policy Council (Conselho Nacional de Política Mineral – CNPM) was officially installed on October 16, 2025, more than three years after its establishment by Decree No. 11,108 on June 29, 2022. The inaugural meeting, attended by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, signals a renewed focus on the country's mineral sector. The council is chaired by Minister of Mines and Energy Alexandre Silveira and includes 18 federal government ministers, alongside the CEO of the Brazilian Geological Service (CPRM). Representatives from states, municipalities, civil society, and academic institutions are also expected to join.

Strategic Objectives and National Strategy

The CNPM's primary objectives include developing domestic supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths, and crafting a comprehensive national mining strategy. A key initiative is the update of the outdated 'National Mining Plan 2030' (conceived in 2011) to a new version, the 'National Mining Plan 2050', which is expected to undergo public consultation in the coming months. This move aims to position Brazil as a significant global supplier in the green economy, shifting away from merely exporting raw materials towards value-added processing. President Lula emphasized this vision, stating, 'We won't allow what happened in the last century to happen again, where Brazil exports raw minerals and then buys products with very high added value. We want to add value in Brazil.'

Focus on Critical Minerals and Working Groups

The council will specifically address critical minerals such as rare earth elements, lithium, niobium, cobalt, copper, and uranium. Brazil holds the world's second-largest rare earth reserves, yet accounts for less than 1% of global output, with production plummeting from 2,200 tonnes in 2016 to approximately 20 tonnes in 2024.

To achieve its goals, the CNPM has established four specialized working groups:

• Inspection Fees and Financial Charges: To review transparency and proportionality of fees and assess financial obligations.
• Critical and Strategic Minerals: Tasked with establishing a national strategy, studying financial guarantees, and tax incentives.
• Mining and Sustainable Development: Focused on integrating mining activities into sustainability and socioeconomic policies, including environmental licensing.
• Oversight of Mining Activities: To examine inspection mechanisms and the role of the Brazilian Mining Agency (ANM).

Minister Silveira highlighted the broader implications, stating, 'We're not just talking about extraction... We're talking about technological sovereignty and energy security.' The council's formation aligns with a global geopolitical shift, particularly as China tightens export controls on rare earths, creating new opportunities for Brazil.