From being a bauxite-rich nation to now positioning itself as a potential global powerhouse in critical minerals, Brazil stands at the crossroads of industrial opportunity and sustainable development. Nestled in South America, Brazil ranks first in niobium, second in rare earths, graphite and iron ore, third in manganese and nickel, fourth in bauxite, and sixth and seventh in zinc and lithium. The boasts of having 2.7 billion tonnes of bauxite reserves, with output of around 30 to 33 million tonnes per year (until early 2020s), but it still has a large geographical locations rich in these minerals yet untapped. The total mineral reserves in Brazil are over 34 billion tonnes as of 2022.
Vast resources yet modest output
In 2024, Brazil produced 0.01 per cent of the world’s rare earths output despite owning 23.3 per cent of the world’s reserves. The country churned out 4.3 per cent of the world’s graphite and accounted for 3 per cent of the world’s manganese production despite of having 25.5 per cent and 16 per cent of reserves for the respective minerals. The average share of bauxite production by Brazil is relatively higher around 7 to 8.2 per cent.
Brazil is, however, striving to expand its mineral exploration, increasing its investment. In 2024, Brazil was the eighth largest recipient of exploration investment worldwide. Between 2019 and 2024, Brazil’s investment in exploration in domestic mining sector surged by 51.5 per cent, reflecting a sharp upward trend in investor interest. This is despite less than 50 per cent of Brazil being geographically mapped.
Bauxite heartland
Responses
