Mato Grosso implements new mining policy to boost mineral sector

Mato Grosso has implemented a new state policy to organize and strengthen its mineral sector. Law No. 13.559/2026, authored by State Deputy Max Russi and sanctioned by Governor Otaviano Pivetta, establishes guidelines for geology, mining, and mineral transformation. The legislation aims to increase knowledge of the state's mineral potential, encourage research and new technologies, attract investment, and promote the industrialization of mineral resources within the state.

Additional objectives include professional qualification, support for mining municipalities, and the modernization of small-scale mining. The policy seeks to provide legal certainty and sustainability while integrating public authorities, universities, and specialists to bring mining activities into legality and alignment with good governance practices.

In a related discussion regarding broader national reforms, Nilson Leitão has advocated for the urgent modernization of Brazil's mining and prospecting legislation. He argues that the current 1967 Mining Code is outdated and calls for clearer criteria to distinguish legal producers from irregular actors. Leitão suggests that updated regulatory frameworks should allow for responsible mineral exploration, including discussions regarding mining in indigenous territories where resources like niobium, diamonds, and gold are present.