By Brazil Stock Guide – Brazil’s Senate Economic Affairs Committee approved on Tuesday (9) a revised report by Senator Esperidião Amin that strengthens the national framework for critical and strategic minerals. The bill, authored by Senator Renan Calheiros, outlines a long-term policy to regulate exploration, processing and governance of resources deemed essential for Brazil’s industrial competitiveness.
Before the vote, Amin circulated an updated draft incorporating amendments and technical recommendations from business groups. He said the National Confederation of Industry “brought the concerns and expectations of the industry,” prompting refinements to governance rules and the definition of strategic assets.
The legislation creates Brazil’s official list of critical and strategic minerals and now adds nuclear minerals and copper to the roster. Copper is a key input for electrical infrastructure and renewable-energy supply chains, benefiting major global producers such as Vale SA (VALE). The report also modifies management rules for mineral research areas: companies must still relinquish 50% of their licensed territory when seeking deadline extensions, but the additional term for the second extension doubles from four to eight years. Amin said the change is meant to “avoid the perpetuation of inert authorizations.”
Amin emphasized the growing geopolitical weight of these resources, stating that “critical and strategic minerals, together with rare earths, will represent what oil was to the world in the 21st century.” He argued that processing must occur domestically, insisting that “a permanent state policy is necessary for this objective to be achieved.”
Renan, who presides over the committee, said the bill now moves to the Senate Infrastructure Committee for a final review, where public hearings will be held next year to broaden the discussion.
Leave a Reply