BRAZIL Trends and Developments Contributed by: Clovis Torres, Solange Costa, Antonio Andrade and Clara Souza, Mello Torres
and a well-recognised tradition of technical expertise in mining. In this context, specific regulations for these minerals are under extensive discussion to ensure that extrac - tion and industrial use occur responsibly, sustainably, and in alignment with the country’s economic and energy strategy, as well as global decarbonisation and energy-transition targets. Among the main legislative initiatives currently under review, the following deserve attention: • Bill (PL) No. 2,780/2024, which proposes the crea - tion of the National Policy on Critical and Strategic Minerals (PNMCE) and the Committee on Criti - cal and Strategic Minerals (CMCE), linked to the CNPM. • PL No. 3,659/2025, which aims to establish a special legal framework applicable to the research, mining, processing, industrialisation, commerciali - sation, export and environmental oversight of rare earth elements in Brazil; and • PL No. 3,699/2025, which addresses the national policy on the research and exploitation of minerals such as lithium, niobium, rare earths, copper, man - ganese, cobalt and graphite, classified as critical or strategic to national interests. Collectively, these legislative proposals reflect the Brazilian government’s effort to establish modern, sustainable and competitive governance for the min - eral sector, reinforcing the country’s role in the global supply chain for clean technologies. However, the challenges ahead remain significant. The first significant challenge is ensuring that the expansion of mineral extraction aligns with environ - mental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. The growth of new mining frontiers in sensitive biomes, such as the Amazon and the Cerrado, demands robust public policies, effective oversight and trans - parent mineral governance. The second challenge involves strengthening Brazil’s industrial and technological capabilities so the country can move up the value chain, developing expertise in
processing, refining and manufacturing technological components. This advancement is essential for Brazil to consolidate a low-carbon, innovative and socially responsible min - ing industry aligned with its strategic role in the global energy transition. Technology and Innovation in Mining In addition to requiring legislative modernisation by the Public Administration, the mining sector, faced with growing demand for sustainable mineral exploration powered by clean and increasingly efficient energy, has increasingly turned to innovation and advanced technologies across all stages of the mining process. Technological innovations have a direct impact on productivity, monitoring quality, strategic planning, risk reduction and several other factors that deter - mine the social, economic and environmental viability of mining activities. Although the sector is still developing in its adoption and integration of new technologies, many compa - nies, research institutions and industry organisations have shown growing interest in incorporating digital systems, automation and artificial intelligence into mining processes. This trend is not only global but also a structural necessity considering the challenges the industry currently faces. Across the entire mineral value chain, from initial geo - logical surveys, dam monitoring, mining operations, processing, ore transportation and environmental management to the final stages of mine closure, tools such as three-dimensional geological mapping systems, remote monitoring sensors, data analysis platforms, early-warning and containment systems, drones, autonomous vehicles, and equipment with embedded technologies have become essential for improving operational efficiency, information accuracy and overall safety. The urgency of adopting these technologies has increased following the serious accidents recorded in recent years, particularly those involving tailings dams and operational failures in critical mining areas. These incidents highlighted not only the structural vulnerabil -
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