The federal government has been pressuring senators to accelerate voting on Bill 2780/2024, which establishes the National Critical and Strategic Minerals Policy (PNMCE) and creates a national council linked to the Presidency. The project, already approved in the Chamber of Deputies, awaits appointment of a rapporteur in the Senate, with Rodrigo Pacheco, Renan Calheiros and Tereza Cristina being considered for the role. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"O governo federal tem pressionado senadores para que o projeto de lei sobre terras raras e minerais críticos, já aprovado na Câmara dos Deputados, seja colocado em votação no Senado Federal o mais rapidamente possível"
"PROJETO DE LEI N° 2780, DE 2024 Institui a Política Nacional de Minerais Críticos e Estratégicos (PNMCE) e o Conselho Nacional para Industrialização de Minerais Críticos e Estratégicos (CIMCE), vinculado à Presidência da República"
The bill defines critical minerals as "mineral resources necessary for key sectors of the national economy" whose scarcity could affect energy transition, food security and national sovereignty. Strategic minerals are defined as resources "essential for the economy in generating trade surplus" and technological development. The legislation fills a regulatory gap — according to ANM, "Brazil does not yet have a list of critical and strategic minerals," only a list for purposes of the Pro-Strategic Minerals Policy created by Decree 10.657/2021. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"I – minerais críticos: recursos minerais necessários para setores-chave da economia nacional, cuja disponibilidade está ou pode vir a estar em risco de abastecimento devido a limitações na cadeia de suprimento, cuja escassez pode afetar seriamente a economia do País, tais como para: a) assegurar a transição energética; b) garantir segurança alimentar e nutricional; c) resguardar a segurança e soberania nacional em setores estratégicos para o País."
"No Brasil não há ainda uma lista de minerais críticos e estratégicos. Está em vigor uma lista de minerais estratégicos (Resolução nº 2, de 18 de junho de 2021) para fins da Política Pró-Minerais Estratégicos."
During proceedings in the Chamber, the private sector worked to "dehydrate the project" and reduce government power over strategic decisions, according to CNN Brasil analysis. One point of tension involves the council provided for in the project, which part of the productive sector evaluates as something that "empowers the Brazilian State too much and hinders investments." The sector's articulation with senators seeks to further reduce Planalto's influence over national policy. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"Houve uma atuação muito incisiva do setor produtivo, desidratando o projeto, tal qual o governo tinha idealizado em alguns pontos específicos"
"empodera muito o Estado brasileiro e atravanca investimentos"
At an event in Campinas on Monday (18th), Lula defended that "critical minerals and rare earths are ours" and that Brazil "does not give up its sovereignty," but opened space for international partnerships. Brazil has 21,000 tons of rare earth reserves, representing 17.5% of global reserves according to 2017 ANM data, but "only has 30% knowledge" of its mineral territory, the president stated. ✓
Press quotes (3)
"os minerais críticos e as terras raras são nossas e que queremos explorá-la aqui dentro"
"Não temos preferência por ninguém. Pode vir chinês, alemão, francês, japonês, americano. Pode vir quem quiser. Desde que tenham consciência de que o Brasil não abre mão de sua soberania"
"Rare Earths² 21,000 17.5"
Bill 2780/2024 was approved in the Chamber and awaits Senate vote
Private sector acted to reduce governmental power in the project
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (2)
Processing was accelerated for approval before Lula's trip to Washington to meet Trump
Brazil holds 17.5% of global rare earth reserves
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What will be the specific voting schedule for Bill 2780/2024 in the Senate?
Why it's still unknown: Project still lacks a defined rapporteur and has no confirmed voting date
Did not cover: Opera Mundi -
What are the specific minerals that will be included in the critical and strategic minerals list?
Why it's still unknown: The project defines criteria but does not list specific minerals, delegating this definition to the council to be created
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What will be the composition and operational structure of the National Council for Critical and Strategic Minerals Industrialization?
Why it's still unknown: Details about sectoral representation and decision-making process of the council have not been disclosed
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What are the estimated fiscal impacts and applicable analysis methodology for the project?
Why it's still unknown: Senate Budget Consultancy reports or fiscal impact analyses have not been reported