Brazil Enacts Critical Minerals Law, Declaring Economic Independence
Brazil's president signed a critical minerals bill into law on Wednesday without any changes, creating the country's first framework for the sector. "This is a declaration of economic independence and political courage by a nation that does not bow to external threats," Mines and Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira said at the ceremony. Critical minerals have risen to prominence on Brazil's public and political agenda over the past year, with the US expressing interest in signing a cooperation agreement with Brazil, in addition to acquiring rare earth producer Serra Verde for $2.8 billion in April.