Brazil: Critical Minerals Profile
Near-monopoly niobium supplier and emerging rare earth and lithium producer with vast untapped mineral potential.
Overview
Brazil's mineral endowment is among the most diverse and extensive in the world, anchored by its near-monopoly position in niobium production. The CBMM mine at Araxa in Minas Gerais produces approximately 90% of the world's niobium, a critical alloying element for high-strength low-alloy steels used in pipelines, automotive structures, and infrastructure. This extraordinary market concentration gives Brazil unmatched influence over a mineral that has no commercially viable substitute at scale. Beyond niobium, Brazil is a major global producer of iron ore, bauxite, manganese, and tantalum, and possesses significant deposits of rare earths, graphite, lithium, and nickel that remain largely undeveloped. Brazil's rare earth potential is particularly noteworthy, with deposits in Minas Gerais and Goias that could contribute to diversifying global supply away from Chinese dominance. The country's lithium reserves in the Jequitinhonha Valley are also attracting exploration investment as global demand accelerates.
Key Minerals and Resources
Brazil's critical mineral profile is defined by its endowment of niobium, iron ore, bauxite, manganese, graphite, rare earths, tantalum, and lithium. These minerals position the country as a significant global supplier in supply chains spanning the energy transition, advanced manufacturing, and defense sectors.
Mining and Production
Brazil's mining sector is one of the world's largest, dominated by Vale, the country's flagship mining company and one of the global leaders in iron ore and nickel production. Niobium production is concentrated at CBMM's Araxa mine, which has operated since the 1960s and has been progressively expanded to meet growing global demand for ferroniobium. Brazil's bauxite mining and alumina refining operations in the Amazon region are among the world's largest, operated by companies including Mineracao Rio do Norte and Hydro Alunorte. Manganese production comes from operations in Minas Gerais, Para, and Mato Grosso do Sul. Tantalum mining, both industrial and artisanal, occurs in several states. Brazil's mining regulatory framework has undergone modernization through the creation of the National Mining Agency (ANM), though permitting and environmental licensing remain complex, particularly for projects in or near the Amazon region.
Policy and Regulation
Brazil's mining sector is regulated by the National Mining Agency (ANM), established in 2018 to replace the former DNPM and modernize mining governance. The Mining Code provides a framework for exploration and mining rights, with the federal government maintaining ownership of subsurface mineral resources. Environmental licensing for mining projects requires approvals from federal or state environmental agencies, with projects in the Amazon region subject to particularly rigorous review following the Brumadinho and Mariana tailings dam disasters. Brazil has been developing a critical minerals strategy that recognizes the country's potential to play a larger role in global supply chain diversification. The government has signed mineral cooperation agreements with the United States and European Union, and is exploring ways to attract investment in rare earth, lithium, and graphite processing to add value to domestically mined materials.
International Partnerships
Brazil's mineral partnerships span both traditional trading relationships and emerging strategic frameworks. The country has mineral cooperation agreements with the European Union, the United States, and several other partners, with a growing focus on rare earth and lithium supply chain development. Brazil's BRICS membership creates opportunities for mineral cooperation with China, India, and South Africa, while the country's Atlantic-facing geography and democratic governance make it a natural partner for Western supply chain diversification. CBMM's niobium partnerships involve major steelmakers from Japan, China, South Korea, and Europe. Brazil has participated in multilateral discussions on critical mineral governance and has been identified as a potential strategic partner for EU and U.S. efforts to build non-Chinese rare earth and lithium supply chains.
Supply Chain Role
Brazil occupies the upstream end of global critical mineral supply chains, providing mined concentrates and partially processed materials to refiners and manufacturers worldwide. The country's vast mineral endowments make it a natural partner for consuming nations seeking to diversify supply away from Chinese-dominated sources. However, Brazil's current supply chain role is predominantly extractive, with the majority of mined minerals exported for processing elsewhere. Capturing more downstream value through domestic processing and refining is a central objective of the country's critical minerals strategy, though building these capabilities requires significant investment in processing infrastructure, energy supply, technical workforce development, and market connections with end-use manufacturers.
Related Country Profiles
Explore profiles of other nations that share regional ties or overlapping mineral endowments with Brazil.
United States
North AmericaWorld's largest consumer of critical minerals driving reshoring and supply chain diversification policies.
Canada
North AmericaKey allied supplier and emerging processing hub for critical minerals in the Western Hemisphere.
Australia
OceaniaGlobal mining powerhouse and largest lithium producer pursuing downstream processing expansion.
China
East AsiaDominant global producer and processor of most critical minerals with unmatched refining capacity.
European Union
EuropeMajor consumer pursuing strategic autonomy through the Critical Raw Materials Act and diversification targets.
United Kingdom
EuropeHistoric mining nation rebuilding critical mineral capabilities through domestic projects and global partnerships.