The Chamber of Deputies is expected to vote this Tuesday (5) on a project that creates the National Policy for the Exploration of Critical and Strategic Minerals, with a focus on expanding Brazil’s participation in the global technology chain. The proposal includes the creation of a guarantee fund of up to R$5 billion to encourage investments in the sector.
The text, reported by deputy Arnaldo Jardim (Cidadania-SP), predicts that part of the resources will be public, with around R$2 billion, while the rest may come from the private sector. The objective is to reduce project risk and attract capital for the exploration and processing of these minerals.
The initiative takes place at a time of global reorganization of production chains linked to the energy transition and the technological industry. Minerals such as lithium, nickel, niobium and rare earths are considered strategic for their use in batteries, semiconductors, wind turbines and electronic equipment.
The project establishes that, to access incentives, companies will have to develop transformation stages in the country, limiting the export of raw ore. The intention is to increase the added value of national production and reduce dependence on imports in industrial segments.
Although Brazil holds the second largest rare earth reserves in the world, behind only China, exploration is still limited. Currently, there is only one mine in operation, Serra Verde, in Goiás, which began operations in 2024 and was acquired by an American company in April 2026.
The proposal also creates a Strategic Minerals Council, responsible for defining guidelines and approving projects that may receive incentives. The structure seeks to coordinate public policies and align investments with the country’s industrial priorities.
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The vote takes place on the eve of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s (PT) trip to the United States, where the topic is expected to be discussed in a meeting with President Donald Trump. The government’s expectation is to approve the project before the meeting, reinforcing Brazil’s position in international negotiations on critical minerals.
