The federal government will establish the National Council for Mineral Policy (CNPM) in October, according to the Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira. He explained that the new body will be chaired by the Ministry of Mines and Energy and will include the participation of 16 ministries, as well as representatives from civil society and academia.
Silveira stated that the CNPM will define guidelines for a structured mineral policy in Brazil, including directions for strategic and critical minerals, thereby strengthening the State’s regulatory role.
He also noted that the creation of the council will make it possible to “correct distortions and weaknesses” in the sector, which, according to him, have been affecting the regulatory and licensing environment.
The initiative comes at a time of tension in the sector, following Federal Police operations that resulted in the arrest of 15 people, including two directors of the National Mining Agency (ANM), suspected of involvement in a scheme of fraud related to environmental licenses. Silveira emphasized that these operations targeted individuals rather than institutions, and stressed that the CNPM should help restore confidence and legal certainty in the sector.
In addition, the minister announced that the first action of the CNPM will include the presentation of a National Policy for Critical Minerals, expected later this year. He highlighted that the new council will serve as a central instrument to place Brazil in the global debate on energy transition, sustainable mining, and the addition of value to mineral resources within the country.
Photo: Canva
