Brazil critical minerals sector employs 129,000 people

The critical and strategic minerals (MCE) sector in Brazil reached 129,423 formal jobs in 2025, accounting for approximately 57% of the country's total extractive mineral industry workforce. This represents an 8.6% increase compared to 2023 figures.

Data released by the National Mining Agency (ANM) via its new digital portal shows that Minas Gerais leads in employment with 62,631 jobs, followed by Pará with 27,047 and Bahia with 9,147. At the municipal level, Parauapebas (PA), Nova Lima (MG), and Congonhas (MG) are the primary hubs.

The workforce is predominantly male, occupying 78% of positions (100,765), while women hold 22% (28,658). Regarding education, 23% of roles require qualified labor, and 14% are held by professionals with higher education degrees. Iron extraction remains the largest employer with 70,027 jobs, followed by precious metals with 21,313.