Unveiling Brazil's Strategic Minerals Landscape: The SGB's Landmark 2026 Study

The Serviço Geológico do Brasil (SGB), formerly known as the Companhia de Pesquisa de Recursos Minerais (CPRM), has released a pivotal publication titled An Overview of Critical and Strategic Minerals Potential of Brazil (2026 edition). Launched at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention in Toronto from March 1 to 4, 2026, this comprehensive study consolidates updated data on reserves, production, and exploration potential for key minerals essential to the global energy transition. Supported by investments from the Novo PAC program totaling R$90 million, the report underscores Brazil's geological prowess, positioning the nation as a top-tier supplier amid surging international demand for materials powering electric vehicles, renewable energy, and high-tech industries.

Strategic minerals, often termed critical minerals, refer to elements like niobium (Nb), graphite, nickel (Ni), rare earth elements (REEs), and lithium (Li), which face supply chain vulnerabilities due to geopolitical tensions, limited processing capacity, and skyrocketing needs for clean technologies. Brazil's endowment—spanning vast reserves and untapped prospects—offers a timely opportunity for sustainable development, but realizing this potential demands coordinated research, investment, and policy action.

What Defines Strategic Minerals and Why Brazil Matters

Strategic minerals are those vital for economic security and technological advancement, with high supply risks as identified by bodies like the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the European Commission. Examples include battery metals (lithium, nickel, graphite, cobalt), magnet materials (REEs, niobium), and others like copper and manganese for electrification.USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026 highlight global dependencies, where China dominates refining (e.g., 95% graphite, 91% REEs).

Brazil stands out with competitive advantages: low-carbon mining potential via hydropower, biodiversity-aligned practices, and government initiatives like the Pró-Minerais Estratégicos policy. The SGB study integrates geochemical, geophysical, and geological mapping data, including a new 1:5,000,000 Geological Map of Brazil (vectors at 1:2,500,000), to pinpoint high-potential zones.

Nióbio: Brazil's Undisputed Global Dominance

Nióbio, crucial for high-strength steel alloys in automotive, aerospace, and infrastructure, sees Brazil holding over 95% of world reserves (16 million tonnes) and producing 92% of output (100,000 tonnes in 2024, per USGS). The SGB report details primary deposits in Minas Gerais (Araxá, CBMM mine) and emerging prospects in Goiás and Amazonas. Production leader CBMM exports ferroniobium globally, but downstream processing lags, representing an opportunity for value addition.

• Reserves: Brazil 16 Mt (89.8% global)
• Production: 100 kt (92.2% global share)
• Potential: New districts in Amazonia via SGB's Decennial Mineral Research Plan 2026–2035

Graphite Reserves: Second-Largest Globally, Battery Boom Ahead

Graphite, anode material for lithium-ion batteries, positions Brazil as the second-largest reserve holder (74 Mt, 26% global). Bahia hosts world-class deposits like those of Nacional de Grafite. The study maps additional prospects in Minas Gerais and Piauí. Production reached 68,000 tonnes (4th globally), with exports surging for EV demand. Challenges include scaling beneficiation amid China's 78% market control.SGB Critical Minerals Overview 2026

• Key projects: Buriti (Bahia), Mata da Serra (Minas Gerais)
• Growth driver: Global battery demand projected to quadruple by 2030 (IEA)

Rare Earth Elements: Vast Reserves Poised for Exploration

Brazil ranks second in REE reserves (21 Mt REO, 23% global), vital for permanent magnets in wind turbines and EVs. Deposits cluster in alkaline complexes like Pela Ema (Goiás) and Catalão. Minimal current production signals frontier status, but SGB identifies high-potential via geophysical anomalies. Partnerships with universities like UFMG enhance geochemical analysis.Explore research positions in geosciences

Photo by Davi Costa on Unsplash

Lithium and Nickel: Emerging Powerhouses for Batteries

Lithium reserves are promising in pegmatites of Minas Gerais (e.g., Sigma Lithium's Grota do Cirilo, 19,000 t LCE production, 5th globally). Nickel reserves (16 Mt, 3rd) fuel stainless steel and batteries, with Carajás (PA) as hub. The report highlights synergies in polymetallic deposits, supported by ANM auctions.

Production Trends and Investment Pipeline

Brazil's mining output benefits from stable geology, but infrastructure gaps persist. At PDAC 2026, 35 projects totaling US$5.5 billion (R$28.5 billion) were showcased, spanning lithium, graphite, REEs. MME's Guia do Investidor 2026 lists opportunities in critical chains.Guia do Investidor Minerais Críticos

Recent FDI: Sigma Lithium (Canada), AMG (graphite), highlighting diversification from China.

Exploration Potential and SGB's Decennial Plans

The Decennial Basic Geological Mapping Plan (2025–2034) targets 1.5 million km² in mineral-rich frontiers. The Mineral Resources Research Plan (2026–2035) prioritizes greenfield surveys using AI-enhanced geophysics. Prospects: Amazon Craton (Ni-Cu), Central Brazil (REEs-Lithium).

Challenges: Sustainability, Infrastructure, and Policy

Opportunities abound, yet hurdles include Amazon deforestation risks, logistics (e.g., Northern Arc highways), and refining capacity (90% export raw). IPEA notes China's processing monopoly; Brazil pushes ESG via Novo PAC. Academic input from USP, UFRJ vital for tech transfer.

• Risks: Supply chain concentration, environmental licensing delays
• Solutions: BNDES FIP Minerais Estratégicos (R$1B fund), tax incentives

Global Context and Energy Transition Role

IEA forecasts 4-6x demand growth by 2040 for Li, Ni, Co, graphite. Brazil's low-emission profile (95% hydro power) appeals to EU/US via trade pacts. REEs for magnets, niobium for HSLA steels align with net-zero goals.

Photo by Beatriz Novaes on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Research, Innovation, and Academia's Pivotal Role

The SGB study calls for R&D investment, with universities leading in beneficiation (e.g., REE separation at UFMG). Career paths in mining geology boom; explore research jobs or academic CV tips. Brazil eyes 10% global critical minerals supply by 2030, fostering jobs and tech sovereignty. For professors and students, opportunities in sustainable mining abound via university jobs and Rate My Professor.

Stakeholders urge balanced growth: prospect, produce, process locally for maximum value.