The risk to democracy is not the only problem created by the existence of a far-right candidate with a chance of reaching the Planalto Palace. By bringing to the scene an agenda that is beyond retrograde, he sends the political discussion to rock bottom, trapped between ingrained ignorance of the facts and diminished intellectual capacity, both hallmarks of the coup family and their closest circle.
This is the case of the proposal made by Flávio Bolsonaro for unrestricted access to critical minerals and Brazilian rare earths in exchange for Trump’s support for his candidacy and, just in case, for the preventive campaign to discredit the upcoming electoral process, if the incumbent Lula grows in the polls. The rest should be limited to the terms in which it was put by Bolsonaro-2 and maintained there due to the criticism it has received, based on an abstract defense of national sovereignty.
Brazil is well endowed with — around 18% of global reserves — and some critical minerals, such as niobium, graphite, nickel and lithium, some of which are essential to the energy transition and the digital economy.
In an incipient form, they are already explored here —or are in the research phase— by national, foreign or associated companies. Foreign investment comes from Canada, the United Kingdom and China.
In addition, the European Union and the USA are the destination for Brazilian exports of raw ores.
Here and now, there are at least two challenges that deserve intense and informed debate. The first is how the country wants to enter this field: will it reinforce its vocation as a major exporter of valuable commodities or does it want to somehow integrate value chains in the production of goods that incorporate the coveted minerals? Any of these choices will involve regulatory legislation, incentive policies and economic diplomacy.
The second challenge is of a socio-environmental nature. An important part of the strategic reserves, it seems, is in the Amazon —especially in Pará, Amazonas and Roraima— and, many, in conservation units and territories. Both have already suffered from illegal mining and what it entails in terms of environmental degradation, crime and disorganization of traditional ways of life and original cultures.
The revelation of the importance of rare earths and critical minerals only adds urgency to a problem that goes back much further. Who doesn’t remember the Serra Pelada gold exploration, whose catastrophe was recorded in remarkable photos?
Given the many uses of strategic minerals, it is difficult to imagine that a purely preservationist position could prevail. The current situation is also unsustainable, which favors illegality and crime. Between one and the other, there are different possible solutions that reduce environmental damage and give indigenous communities participation in decisions and the fruits of economic exploitation. But medicines are not born by spontaneous generation; they demand applied science, political intention and democratic commitment.
On such an important issue, the extreme right cannot dictate the agenda, much less the terms of the discussion.
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