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Mining in Brazil Regulatory Changes Analysis

Potential Regulatory Changes

The Brazilian mining value chain is subject to a dynamic regulatory environment, with several potential changes anticipated or currently being implemented. These changes are largely driven by the need to enhance safety, improve environmental and social governance, stimulate the development of strategic minerals, and streamline administrative processes.

A primary source for upcoming regulatory developments is the National Mining Agency (ANM)'s 2025/2026 Regulatory Agenda, published in December 2024. This agenda outlines the priority areas for normative improvements over the next two years. Key items on this agenda include: * Regulation of waste and tailings piles, specifically addressing NRM 19. [1] * Addressing mining-related conflicts, such as those involving blocked areas, urban zoning, protected areas, and traditional communities. [1] * Reviewing the licensing processes for small-scale mining permits (Permissão de Lavra Garimpeira - PLG). [1] * Simplifying mineral rights transfer and lease processes. [1] * Regulating exploration permits (guias de utilização). [11] * Updating the licensing norms for nuclear minerals, in alignment with Law 14,514/2022. [1] * Review and modernization of Mine Closure Plan regulations (Resolution ANM 68/2021). [1]

Continued regulatory improvement in tailings dam safety remains a critical focus, building on Law 14.066/2020, which prohibited upstream dams and increased fines for disasters, and ANM Directive 95/2022. [1, 6] This includes ongoing requirements for submitting flood maps, preparing emergency action plans, and enhancing monitoring and inspection. [6] Despite mandatory deadlines for the de-characterization of upstream dams, there are indications that some mining companies may seek extensions due to the complexity of the process. [8]

In the realm of critical minerals essential for the energy transition (such as lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements), the Brazilian government is actively proposing new regulations. [1, 2, 15] In January 2025, the Ministry of Mines and Energy proposed new regulations to govern infrastructure debentures with tax incentives specifically for mineral projects linked to the energy transition, aiming to attract private investment. [1, 15] There is also a recognized need for Brazil to develop an integrated, national critical minerals policy with clear goals and incentives. [15]

Environmental licensing processes are subject to ongoing debate and potential reform. While past efforts aimed to reduce bureaucracy, a proposed bill (PL 2.159/2021) could significantly alter the current system, potentially allowing for self-licensing in certain instances, which has raised concerns about potential environmental consequences. [9] State environmental authorities are also working independently to refine licensing and inspection procedures. [3]

The recent tax reform, approved in December 2023, introduces significant changes with the implementation of a Dual VAT (IBS/CBS) and a Selective Tax. [19] The specific rates and regulatory measures for the Selective Tax are still being defined, which will directly impact the taxation of mineral exports. [2, 19]

Regarding occupational health and safety, the Ministry of Labour and Employment issued revised regulations (NR 22) in 2024. These updates include specific prohibitions on installing facilities in areas susceptible to flooding downstream of mining dams and within the safety perimeter of waste piles. [1]

The regulatory environment for uranium mining has seen a significant shift with Law 14,514/2022, which permits private sector participation in exploration through partnerships with the state-owned Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil (INB). [2] This aims to create a more dynamic environment for leveraging Brazil's uranium reserves. [2]

These potential regulatory changes reflect a broader effort to modernize Brazil's mining framework, balancing economic development with enhanced safety, environmental protection, and strategic mineral development.

Table of potential impact of the changes

Potential Regulatory Change Area Value Chain Stage(s) Impacted Potential Impact
ANM's 2025/2026 Regulatory Agenda All stages, especially P&P, Extraction, Processing, Decommissioning Increased clarity and potential streamlining in specific areas (exploration permits, small-scale mining). Stricter rules for waste/tailings and mine closure. Improved handling of mining conflicts.
Tailings Dam Safety (Ongoing Improvements) Extraction, Processing, Decommissioning Increased operational costs due to stricter monitoring, technology adoption (e.g., dry stacking), and decommissioning efforts. Potential delays or challenges in meeting decommissioning deadlines. Enhanced safety but significant financial burden. [1, 6, 8]
Critical Minerals Regulations/Incentives P&P, Extraction, Processing, Commercialization Increased investment and exploration activity for strategic minerals. Potential for new processing facilities and value addition. Facilitated access to finance for relevant projects. [1, 2, 15]
Environmental Licensing Reform (Debate) P&P, Extraction, Processing, Decommissioning If streamlined (original intent): Faster project approvals and reduced bureaucratic hurdles. If weakened (PL 2.159/2021 concerns): Potential increase in environmental risks and social conflicts. Ongoing uncertainty impacts investment. [9]
Tax Reform (Dual VAT, Selective Tax) Commercialization (primarily export), Logistics Changes in tax burden and structure for mineral sales, particularly exports. Potential increase in the "Custo Brasil" depending on Selective Tax rates. Requires adjustments in financial and commercial strategies. [2, 19]
Occupational Health and Safety (Revised NR 22) Extraction, Processing Changes in mine planning and infrastructure layout to comply with safety distances from dams and waste piles. Increased focus on worker safety protocols near these structures. [1]
Uranium Mining (Private Participation) P&P, Extraction, Processing, Commercialization Increased potential for investment and development in the uranium sector through partnerships with INB. Diversification of players and expertise in this specific mineral chain. [2]

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