Decree 10.657. Establishes the policy to support the environmental licensing of investment projects for strategic minerals production.

Country / jurisdiction: Brazil · Year: 2021 · Status: In force · Level: National · Type: Voluntary

In 2021, the Brazilian President signed a decree to establish a policy to support environmental licensing of investment projects for strategic minerals production (National Strategic Pro-Minerals Policy). This initiative aims to prioritise government efforts to implement projects for strategic minerals production and the country’s development (article 1 and 2 Decree 10.657).

To be included in the Strategic Pro-Minerals Policy, mining investment projects may be qualified upon request of the project owner, according to the following criteria:

I – Minerals that have a high percentage of imports and which are needed to supply vital sectors of the Country’s economy;

II - Minerals that are important for their application in high-tech products and processes; or

III - Minerals with comparative advantages and essential for the economy since they generate a surplus in the country's trade balance.

Furthermore, this decree establishes an Interministerial Committee for the Analysis of Strategic Minerals Projects (CTAPME). It is responsible for defining the mining projects relevant for the expansion of strategic mineral production and which will become part of the National Strategic Pro-Minerals Policy. The committee is composed of representatives from various ministries, including the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MMAMC), the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce, and Services (MDIC), the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovations (MCTI), the Ministry of Finance (MF), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE). The committee's role is to ensure that projects align with sustainability principles and governance standards, and to facilitate the implementation of policies and measures for the development of strategic minerals in Brazil.

Since 2021, the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Analysis of Strategic Mineral Projects has approved the following projects (among others):

Development of Lithium Production Facilities: This project aims to establish facilities for the extraction and processing of lithium, a critical mineral for the production of batteries used in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. The project focuses on utilising sustainable practices and renewable energy sources to minimise environmental impact.

Expansion of Rare Earth Elements Mining: This project involves the exploration and extraction of rare earth elements, which are essential for the production of high-tech devices such as smartphones, wind turbines, and electric motors. The project emphasises the importance of responsible mining practices and aims to reduce dependency on imported rare earth elements.

Implementation of a National Network for Battery Recycling: This project seeks to create a national network for the collection and recycling of lithium-ion batteries and rare earth magnets. The goal is to recover valuable materials such as lithium, cobalt, graphite, and neodymium, and to promote circular economy practices in the mineral sector.

Promotion of Sustainable Mining in the Amazon: This project focuses on promoting responsible mining practices in the Amazon region, with an emphasis on critical and strategic minerals. The project aims to contribute to the sustainable development of the region, enhance social well-being, and support the conservation of the Amazon rainforest.

Integration of Geological Data: This project involves the integration and availability of geological data generated by companies in a single database managed by the Brazilian Geological Service (SGB). The goal is to enrich the geoscientific knowledge of Brazil and support the exploration and development of strategic minerals

Official source: https://www.gov.br/mme/pt-br/acesso-a-informacao/legislacao/decretos/2021/decreto-n-10-657-2021.pdf/view