Government seeks to align with Congress rules for exploring critical minerals in Brazil

The federal government wants to take advantage of the international dispute over critical minerals to strengthen Brazil’s position in the sector and expand control over the exploration of these resources.

During the 1st meeting of the National Council for Mineral Policy (CNPM), held this Thursday (16), the Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira (PSD), stated that he will seek synergy with Congress before voting on the project that creates the National Policy for Critical and Strategic Minerals (PNMCE).

Silveira said that he will meet in the next few days with deputy Arnaldo Jardim (Cidadania-SP), rapporteur of PL 2,789/2024, which deals with the topic.

“I have already asked for a meeting with deputy Arnaldo Jardim to seek maximum convergence between the Executive’s vision and that of the rapporteur, so that the proposal advances with tax, environmental and strategic balance. That a law can be reached that is best for the Brazilian people”, said the minister, in an interview at the department’s headquarters.

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The project being discussed in Congress must include rules on tax incentives, foreign investments and environmental sustainability guidelines.

Silveira indicated that, if there is no consensus, the Executive may send an alternative proposal. “If there is disagreement, the government will use the democratic and institutional instruments it has at its disposal,” he stated.

The creation of the National Critical Minerals Policy is seen as strategic by the Lula government amid the growing global demand for raw materials essential to the energy and technological transition. Brazil is one of the countries with the greatest potential for exploring lithium, copper and rare earths, minerals coveted by powers such as the United States, which face a shortage of these raw materials.

With the policy, Planalto wants to guarantee governance, sovereignty and added value in the production chain, reducing external dependence and strengthening Brazil’s position in international negotiations on the new green economy.