Brazil targets rare earth revival

More than three years after it was announced, Brazil’s Mining Policy Council has officially been installed, with a renewed focus on critical minerals and rare earths.

The National Mining Policy Council (Conselho Nacional de Política Mineral – CNPM) of 18 federal ministers formally started work last week in a ceremony attended by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. It created a working group on critical and strategic minerals aimed at proposing public policies to develop domestic supply chains and craft a national strategy. 

President Lula also requested an updated survey of Brazil’s mineral resources, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and structured national mining policy, something the country currently lacks.

The CNPM plans to update Brazil’s outdated National Mining Plan 2030, originally conceived in 2011. The new version will guide national mining policy and is expected to be released for public consultation in the coming months.

Rare earths

The plan includes renewed attention to rare earth elements. Brazil once ranked among the world’s top producers, with output reaching 2,200 tonnes of rare-earth oxide in 2016, but production has since plummeted to around 20 tonnes in 2024. The decline has been driven by China’s dominant production capacity and pricing influence.

The council was originally established under a decree in June 2022, but remained inactive until now. It is chaired by Minister of Mines and Energy Alexandre Silveira, along with the CEO of the Brazilian Geological Service (CPRM). Representatives from states, municipalities, civil society, and academic institutions with expertise in mining are also members.

The CNPM has formed four specialized working groups to address key challenges facing the mining sector: Inspection Fees and Financial Charges, Critical and Strategic Minerals, Mining and Sustainable Development, and Oversight of Mining Activities.

The final group will analyze inspection mechanisms and the role of the National Mining Agency (ANM).