Minister of Mines and Energy talks about “taking advantage of synergy” to discuss the topic; ores are the target of US greed
Focused on bargaining over critical minerals, the federal government will seek support from Congress to create rules that will benefit Brazil in this sector. This type of ore is a target of covet in the USA, which faces a shortage of the raw material.
After the 1st meeting of the CNPM (National Council for Mineral Policy), in Brasília, this Thursday (October 16, 2025), the Minister of Mines and Energy, (PSD)was categorical in stating that he will meet with the rapporteur of PNMCE (National Policy for Critical Minerals), deputy (Cidadania-SP), before delivering the final report on the matter.
Arnaldo Jardim is the rapporteur of the PL (bill) pproposal that establishes the National Policy on Critical and Strategic Minerals in the National Congress.
According to the minister, the meeting will serve to present understandings and “take advantage of synergy” on the topic. Silveira stated that the objective is “synergize the Executive’s vision” with what has already been discussed in the Chamber and in the federal government.
“I have already asked for a meeting with deputy Arnaldo Jardim to seek maximum convergence between the Executive’s vision and that of the rapporteur, so that the proposal advances with tax, environmental and strategic balance […] That a law can be reached that can be the best for the Brazilian people”he stated during an interview at the Ministry’s headquarters, in Brasília.
The proposal in Congress
Deputy Arnaldo Jardim structured his proposal into 3 axes: clear definition of critical and strategic minerals; governance with the creation of a specialized committee; and instruments to promote the mineral sector.
The government signals that, if there is no consensus, it may present its own proposal, using the institutional instruments available.
“If this is not possible, naturally, if there is disagreement, the government will use democratic instruments and a natural institutional vision through the instruments that the President of the Republic has to present a proposal”, said Silveira.
The legislative proposal must address, among other topics, tax incentives, criteria for foreign investment and guidelines for the sustainable development of the critical and strategic minerals chain.
The National Critical Minerals Policy is considered strategic by the government, amid growing international interest in elements essential to the energy and technological transition – such as lithium, rare earths and copper.
