Brazil takes a giant step in sustainable mining with a new national policy for critical and strategic minerals.
The recent sanction of Law 15.506/26, which establishes the National Policy for Critical and Strategic Minerals, marks a turning point for Brazil‘s future on the global technology and clean energy stage. The initiative, led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, aims to guarantee national sovereignty in the exploration, processing, and transformation of minerals essential for the ongoing technological revolution.
This legal milestone is seen as fundamental to boosting vital sectors such as the production of smartphones, electric vehicles, data centers, and defense systems. By establishing clear guidelines for the sector, the Brazilian government reinforces its commitment to innovation and sustainable development, positioning the country as a protagonist in the supply chain of strategic materials.
Sovereignty and Innovation in Mineral Exploration
The proposal, originating from congressman Zé Silva, was widely debated and approved by Congress, culminating in presidential sanction.
The main objective is to add value to national mineral resources, promoting domestic processing and refining.
Zé Silva emphasized the law’s strategic importance:
“This will be the law of the century for Brazil. It will ensure that the riches of our subsoil are transformed into quality of life and resources for the country. With this policy, we are telling the world: ‘come invest in Brazil’, but we are establishing a national policy to guarantee our sovereignty and also setting requirements for processing here in Brazil.”
Commitment to Sustainability and the Future
One of the highlights of the new legislation is the integration of rigorous environmental criteria.
Congressman Arnaldo Jardim, rapporteur of the text in the Chamber, highlighted the inclusion of the low-carbon mineral certificate, aligned with global sustainability commitments, stating:
“It establishes the low-carbon mineral certificate, which was an addition proposed by us and is highly aligned with the general commitments of production linked to the principles of sustainability.”
Strategic Investments and Economic Independence
To enable the policy’s objectives, the law foresees the creation of the Mineral Activity Guarantee Fund (Fgam), with an initial contribution of R$ 2 billion from the Union.
Additionally, R$ 5 billion will be allocated to incentivize the beneficiation and transformation of these minerals in Brazil.
President Lula celebrated the achievement:
“With the legislation enacted today, Brazil proposes a new agenda for the mining of the future to the world: the transition to socially just, environmentally sustainable, and industrializing mining for developing countries.”
Brazil as a Strategic Mineral Powerhouse
The Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, declared that the law represents a new era for Brazilian mining, a symbol of economic independence and political courage.
Brazil already stands out globally in reserves of niobium, rare earths, and graphite, in addition to having significant production of nickel and lithium. To boost geological research, the Geological Survey of Brazil (SGB) will see a significant increase in its investments.
The Future of Brazilian Mining
Geopolitical instability surrounding critical minerals like rare earths opens new opportunities for Brazil. Experts, such as geologist Carlos Nogueira Junior, from the UnB, are betting on Brazil’s potential to become a major exporter of high-tech ores.
The creation of the National Council for the Industrialization of Critical and Strategic Minerals (Cimce), linked to the Presidency of the Republic, will ensure the planning and monitoring of this new policy. The initiative is a decisive step towards consolidating Brazil as a leader in sustainable and innovative mining in the 21st century.
