Lula brings together ministers and representatives of the critical minerals sector to discuss action plan

The idea is for the Executive to draw up, after approval of the bill, a plan of actions and goals to increase investments and make Brazil a relevant actor in this market, according to Broadcast, Grupo Estado's real-time news system.

In addition to possible fiscal and credit stimuli, the agenda includes concern about external dependence and technological limitations. The government seeks a transversal approach, with the involvement of the Ministries of Mines and Energy, Finance, Defense and Foreign Affairs, in addition to BNDES, among other bodies.

The bill that creates the National Critical and Strategic Minerals Policy was approved by the Chamber of Deputies in May this year. The text, however, is stalled in the Senate due to the government's difficulties in aligning the progress of the agenda with the president of the House, Davi Alcolumbre (União Brasil-AP).

If the proposal is approved, a special council, with a majority of representatives from the federal government, will be responsible for approving direct or indirect changes in the corporate control of companies holding mining rights related to critical and strategic minerals. The rule also covers corporate reorganizations.

The word “approval”, in the strict sense, would indicate a final decision on operations, but there are other possible interpretations, and the private sector tries to mitigate this provision.

The special council and the National Mining Agency may also be responsible for approving international contracts, agreements or partnerships that involve the supply of these minerals under conditions capable of affecting the country's economic or geopolitical security.

This, however, is just one of the points provided for in the legal framework. The text also contemplates the creation of a guarantee fund estimated at R$5 billion, resources for research, development and technological innovation projects and the Federal Program for the Beneficiation and Transformation of Critical and Strategic Minerals, among other measures.

Lula government repudiates Flávio Bolsonaro's actions in the USA and cites link with Master case

Lula's government criticized Flávio Bolsonaro's participation in a hearing in the United States on tariffs against Brazil and accused the senator of legitimizing an investigation considered unfair, in addition to suggesting the postponement of measures for electoral purposes.