Brazil moves to reshape critical minerals policy and mining regulations

Brazilian legislators are pushing forward a National Critical Minerals and Strategic Materials Policy. In a Senate hearing, the Parliamentary Front for Agribusiness highlighted the global race for minerals used in batteries, semiconductors, AI and defense, noting pressure from the United States and competition from China and the EU. Speakers called for a strategy that goes beyond extraction to include domestic processing, industrialisation and value‑addition, warning that Brazil could repeat a raw‑material export model without policy changes. The discussion referenced the upcoming International Seminar on Critical and Strategic Minerals scheduled for 9‑10 June, which will host government officials, industry leaders and international analysts to debate supply‑chain security and investment.

Separately, the Chamber of Deputies approved the fast‑track (urgency) procedure for a mining‑law overhaul. The bill would broaden the authority of the National Mining Agency (ANM) to handle licences, permits and authorisations, and redefine "garimpeira" to cover all types of ore extraction. It also proposes a social‑auction mechanism giving priority to small mining cooperatives. Lawmaker Joaquim Passarinho said the urgency aims to move the stalled proposal forward for full debate later this year.