# Mineral extraction and policy in Angola and Brazil

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mineral-extraction-and-policy-in-angola-and-brazil
> Updated: 2026-09-17T20:46:57.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

In Angola, environmentalist Rafael Lucas has raised alarms regarding the unregulated extraction of sand and stone in Huíla province. He warns that sand extraction from rivers causes bank erosion, siltation, and reduced water quality, which threatens aquatic biodiversity and the replenishment of aquifers. These activities also impact local communities relying on rivers for agriculture, fishing, and domestic use.

Additionally, stone extraction near the Cristo Rei hill is noted for its potential to alter landscapes, destroy vegetation, and cause noise and dust pollution in an area of religious, geological, and touristic importance. Lucas is calling for stricter oversight and greater community involvement in land-use decisions.

In Brazil, the government has enacted the National Policy for Critical and Strategic Minerals. The policy aims to move beyond raw material exports by incentivizing domestic mineral processing and industrialization. While the law includes socio-environmental criteria and a Low Carbon Mineral Certificate, critics express concern over governance. The new National Council for the Industrialization of Critical and Strategic Minerals will be linked to the Presidency, but civil society lacks permanent voting representation.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-17: Environmental concerns in Angola and new mineral policy in Brazil

Environmental concerns rise in Angola over sand and stone extraction in Huíla, while Brazil enacts a new national policy to industrialize its critical mineral sector.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/environmental-concerns-in-angola-and-new-mineral-policy-in-brazil

### 2026-08-28: Environmental opposition to mining in Portugal and wildfire risks in Brazil

Environmental groups in Portugal oppose a new kaolin mining project in Peniche, while Brazilian authorities warn of high wildfire risks during 'four-thirty' weather conditions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/environmental-opposition-to-mining-in-portugal-and-wildfire-risks-in-brazil

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Cite as: Mineral extraction and policy in Angola and Brazil. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mineral-extraction-and-policy-in-angola-and-brazil