States push for natural gas in data centers, while MPTCU demands an audit of rare earth mining projects.
The expansion of digital infrastructure in Brazil has intensified critical debates regarding the country’s energy future and the exploitation of mineral resources. States such as Amazonas and Sergipe are seeking to secure a role for natural gas within the regulatory framework of Redata, a special tax regime aimed at data centers.
Governors from both regions have sent letters to President Lula, arguing that environmental and energy criteria should take precedence over the exclusion of specific technologies.
The proposal aims to recognize natural gas as a low-emission source, paving the way for it to meet the surging energy demands of data centers. Amazonas highlights the potential of its reserves, while Sergipe looks to the Sergipe Deepwater (Sergipe Águas Profundas) project to boost production.
An inter-ministerial ordinance is expected to be released soon to detail these guidelines, amidst projections that energy consumption by artificial intelligence servers is set to increase significantly.
Rare earth audit raises environmental concerns
On a parallel front, the Public Prosecutor’s Office at the Federal Court of Accounts (MPTCU) has requested that the TCU conduct a detailed audit of rare earth mining projects in the southern region of Minas Gerais. The investigation focuses on the ability of federal agencies to oversee the expansion of these activities and mitigate potential impacts on the environment, water resources, and public health.
The request arises amid growing concerns, highlighted by an inter-ministerial visit to the region. The MPTCU also wants the TCU to monitor the collection of the CFEM (Financial Compensation for the Exploitation of Mineral Resources) and any potential associated revenue losses.
The sensitive nature of the region, which has a history of uranium mining and is home to vital springs and aquifers, underscores the urgency of this analysis.
The new National Policy for Critical and Strategic Minerals (PNMCE), which seeks to add value to Brazil’s supply chain through the National Council for the Industrialization of Critical and Strategic Minerals (Cimce), continues to face criticism from environmental organizations over an alleged lack of in-depth discussions regarding socio-environmental safeguards.
