The project “Brazil’s Role in the Global Agenda for Critical and Strategic Minerals” was launched in 2024 with the aim of providing an analysis of national demand for minerals for the energy transition and the potential supply of these minerals. The project seeks to examine the role Brazil can play in the agenda of critical and strategic minerals (CSM), considering the importance of CSM for the low-carbon economy and their relevance in current geopolitics.

This initiative is led by the Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI), together with the Brazilian Mining Institute (IBRAM), Cenergia (Coppe/UFRJ), the Mineral Technology Center (CETEM), and the Brazilian Geological Survey (SGB). The project also counts on a partnership with the Climate and Society Institute (iCS) and sponsorship from BHP and Vale, as well as institutional support from BMA Advogados.

The study is based on three main premises:

1. Brazil has undeniable potential for strategic integration into global CSM supply chains;

2. International competition for CSM has been increasing, driven primarily by the energy transition, as well as defense and digital transformation sectors;

3. The geographic concentration of CSM supply and processing increases geopolitical and commercial risks, highlighting the need to diversify supplier countries and strategic partners — offering Brazil a unique opportunity to position itself internationally as a reliable supplier.

Through an analysis involving different perspectives and stakeholders, the study evaluates the potential impacts of greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation technology pathways in Brazil on mineral demand, maps the country’s mineral potential in light of domestic and international demand, and seeks to understand the implications of this transition for productive sectors and associated supply chains.

Read the summary version of the study in English — available HERE.