Brazil's mining sector can only be sustainably strengthened through the full integration of the National Mining Agency's (ANM) regulatory and production datasets with the geoscientific knowledge produced by the Geological Survey of Brazil (SGB).
In 2025, SGB developed processing routines to spatially correlate CFEM royalty-payment data with the georeferenced information contained in the Mining Geographic Information System (SIGMINE). The outcome is an analytical platform that enables the identification and assessment of production patterns in relation to geological, metallogenetic, and geotectonic settings—supporting mineral potential studies and guiding geological mapping programs.
Spatially distinguishing which mining permits are productive, and which remain non-productive is strategically important for the development of Brazil's mineral sector. Productive permits provide validation for prospective geological models, whereas non-productive permits may highlight opportunities for new project development.
This article focuses on 22 critical and strategic mineral commodities: gold, copper, iron ore, manganese, aluminum, tin, niobium, tantalum, nickel, silver, zinc, lead, chromium, titanium, vanadium, tungsten, molybdenum, lithium, graphite, rare earth elements, phosphate, and potash.
The following mineral production maps reveal spatial patterns of mining activity and vacancy areas, enabling rigorous assessments of high-performing regions, identification of prospective targets, and guidance for investments and public policies in the mineral sector.
GOLD
Gold production in Brazil is distributed across a wide range of metallogenetic environments that reflect the complex tectono-crustal evolution of the territory. The main settings include orogenic deposits hosted in Archean and Paleoproterozoic greenstone belts and paleoplacers, mineralization in shear zones within Neoproterozoic terranes, porphyry-type gold deposits in Paleoproterozoic terranes, disseminated mineralization in volcano-sedimentary sequences, and secondary concentrations in alluvial placers. In most of these deposits, gold occurs in association with arsenopyrite, pyrite, galena, or chalcopyrite.
Among the operating mines, Paracatu stands out as the country's largest producer, followed by Cuiabá, Córrego do Sítio, and Pilar (Brumal) in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero. Also in Minas Gerais, the Riacho dos Machados mine is noteworthy, while in Bahia, the Jacobina and Fazenda Brasileiro operations are prominent. In Goiás, production is centered on the Crixás and Mara Rosa districts, whereas in Tocantins, the Almas deposit reinforces the auriferous vocation of the Brasília Belt. In Pará, the Tocantinzinho deposit is part of the cluster associated with the Amazon Craton, and in northern Maranhão, the Piaba deposit represents an important regional operation. In Mato Grosso, in addition to the São Francisco and São Vicente mines, the underground operation at Nova Xavantina is noteworthy, along with significant medium-scale mining activity in the Baixada Cuiabana district. Finally, in Paraná, the Campo Largo deposit accounts for the only recorded gold production in southern Brazil in 2024.
Gold production under the artisanal mining (garimpo) regime in Brazil is concentrated in alluvial and eluvial deposits, whereas primary deposits support more localized activities. In Pará, the Tapajós region hosts the most prominent artisanal operations. In Mato Grosso, activity is distributed between the northern part of the state—sourced from Paleoproterozoic greenstone belts and granitic intrusions—and the southern part, where orogenic gold hosted in shear zones within metasedimentary belts, together with secondary placers, sustains production. In Minas Gerais, Goiás, and Rondônia, the artisanal gold mining tradition dates back to the 1950s and continues to support small-scale active operations to the present day.
COPPER
The major copper deposits in Brazil occur predominantly within several broad metallogenetic settings that account for both the current significance of production and the high potential for new discoveries. These environments include iron oxide–copper–gold (IOCG) deposits, porphyry Cu–Au systems associated with Paleoproterozoic granitic intrusions, stratiform deposits hosted in volcano-sedimentary sequences, volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) polymetallic mineralization, and occurrences in carbonate rocks with supergene remobilization. Chalcopyrite associated with bornite, and chalcocite constitutes the predominant ore mineralogy.
This diversity of deposit types sustains world-class mines and emerging exploration frontiers. In Carajás, the Salobo mine—the country's largest copper producer—and Sossego are the flagship operations. In Bahia, the Curaçá Valley encompasses districts that have been in operation for decades and constitutes a historical mining hub, while the Serrote mine, in Alagoas, expands the productive frontier into northeastern Brazil. In Goiás, the Chapada mine is distinguished by sustained copper–gold output, and in Mato Grosso, the Aripuanã mine produces polymetallic concentrates through underground mining. At the Palito deposit in the Tapajós Province, copper is marketed as a by-product of gold mining. In Rondônia, small-scale copper production is recorded in 2024 at the deposit known as Buraco da Velha.
IRON ORE
Brazil hosts two of the world's premier iron ore provinces: Carajás and the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, which exhibit significant differences, particularly regarding ore type and deposit age. The principal metallogenetic settings include (i) ultrahigh-grade ores derived from Archean and Paleoproterozoic jaspilites and itabirites that are metamorphosed and enriched by supergene processes, (ii) Neoproterozoic banded iron formations that are frequently interbedded with manganese, and (iii) iron concentrations in alkaline–carbonatitic igneous complexes that are transformed into lateritic profiles.
In the Amazon region, the Carajás Province (PA) hosts world-class operations, including the Serra Norte and Serra Sul (S11D) complexes. In Minas Gerais, the Quadrilátero Ferrífero encompasses both historical and recent mines, among them Alegria, Brucutu, Conceição, and Cauê. In Mato Grosso do Sul, the Urucum Massif constitutes another major production hub, combining iron and manganese deposits. The operations at Caetité, in Bahia, and Piripiri, in Piauí, represent the expansion of the productive frontier into northeastern Brazil. In São Paulo, at the Jacupiranga Complex, magnetite occurs as a by-product in apatite-rich carbonatites. At the Araxá niobium mine in Minas Gerais, iron production is utilized in the manufacture of ferroniobium alloys.
MANGANESE
Manganese in Brazil is produced from distinct geological settings, reflecting broad metallogenetic diversity. The main deposits include supergene and lateritic mineralizations that form by residual enrichment, Paleoproterozoic marine metasediments that are associated with iron formations and volcano-sedimentary sequences, and stratiform bodies that are deformed and recrystallized during Neoproterozoic events. The mineralogy is dominated by oxides such as pyrolusite, manganite, and psilomelane, with textural and structural variations that reflect different stages of concentration and metamorphism.
This diversity is mirrored in the geographic distribution of production. Key examples include Serra do Navio (AP), which marks the history of manganese mining in the country; Buritirama (PA), one of the largest production centers within Paleoproterozoic sequences; and the Urucum Massif (MS), where manganese and iron occur in high-grade, large-tonnage deposits. Also, within the Carajás Province, the Mina Azul represents one of the principal active operations. In Minas Gerais, the Morro da Mina deposit remains the foremost production center, while in Bahia and Ceará, smaller-scale mines are in operation. Goiás, Tocantins, and Mato Grosso show lower-volume activities, often through artisanal workings and small-scale mining, although recent data from the ANM (National Mining Agency) indicate growing production in these states.
ALUMINUM
Aluminum production in Brazil occurs in metallogenetic environments dominated by intense lateritization in humid tropical climates, which promotes silica leaching and the concentration of aluminum hydroxides and oxyhydroxides, chiefly gibbsite, boehmite, and diaspore. These profiles develop over granitic, volcanic, and sedimentary parent rocks. In some cases, lateritic material is eroded and redeposited, giving rise to sedimentary bauxites in paleodepressions and lowland plains. These deposits exhibit zoned profiles with ferruginous crusts and argillaceous horizons, reflecting strong lithological, climatic, and geomorphological controls on aluminum concentration.
In the Amazon region, the country's largest operations include Trombetas, Juruti, and Paragominas (PA), which account for the bulk of national production and sustain a continuous flow of exports. In Goiás, lateritic districts of regional importance host large resources and also reflect the region's broader vocation for lateritic mineral systems, including nickel. In Minas Gerais, the Zona da Mata represents a historical production hub, exploiting thick lateritic profiles rich in gibbsite. In Poços de Caldas, extraction takes place from residual profiles developed over alkaline rocks, highlighting the geological diversity that underpins production. Small-scale bauxite extraction for non-metallurgical purposes is also recorded, including operations in Santa Catarina.
TIN
Tin in Brazil is closely associated with metallogenetic environments dominated by highly differentiated anorogenic granites, which favor the concentration of cassiterite in greisen systems, veins, and stockworks. These magmatic settings, combined with deep tropical weathering, also concentrate cassiterite in secondary alluvial and eluvial deposits that are exploited over multiple periods of the country's mining history.
Among the most prominent districts is Pitinga, where tin is associated with large granitic massifs. In Rondônia, multiple districts that account for a substantial share of Brazil's historical production still host active mining operations. Outside the Amazon region, tin production in Minas Gerais occurs within the São João del Rei Pegmatite Province, where Neoproterozoic peraluminous granites generate mineralized pegmatitic bodies. In the Nazareno area, production comes from zoned pegmatites that, in addition to cassiterite, concentrate tantalum, niobium, and lithium, reflecting the highly fractionated evolution of these systems.
Licensed artisanal workings and small-scale tin mining operations in Rondônia and Pará are associated with evolved granites and Paleoproterozoic greisens, with cassiterite occurring both as disseminated mineralization and in quartz veins. In both states, chemical weathering concentrates cassiterite into secondary placers that sustain regional artisanal mining activity.
NIOBIUM
Brazil holds approximately 95% of the world's known niobium reserves, securing global leadership in the production and supply of this strategic metal. Niobium mineralization is associated with alkaline–carbonatitic complexes generated by deep magmatic processes and subsequently enriched by supergene and lateritic processes in humid tropical climates. The ore occurs predominantly as pyrochlore in carbonatitic and pyroxenitic rocks, accompanied by apatite, magnetite, and phlogopite. Intense chemical weathering promotes residual concentration of niobium, generating thick, high-grade lateritic profiles that often show substantial lateral continuity and large ore volumes. In addition to these systems, columbite in granitic pegmatites represents a secondary source of niobium, although its contribution remains limited compared to the potential of carbonatite-hosted deposits.
National production is centered on two world-class hubs. In Minas Gerais, the Araxá mine is the country's principal operation, while in Goiás, the Catalão district hosts significant operations that contribute substantially to domestic supply. Additionally, small-scale mining and artisanal columbite workings in granitic pegmatites and alluvial deposits occur in Rondônia and Pará.
TANTALUM
The main tantalum deposits in Brazil are associated with zoned granitic pegmatites, where the ore occurs predominantly as columbite–tantalite, accompanied by spodumene and cassiterite. The Presidente Figueiredo region (AM) is notable for tantalum output recovered as a by-product of tin mining. In the Northeast, the Borborema Province accounts for small but historically significant production, while in the Eastern Pegmatite Province of Minas Gerais, tantalum is recovered mainly as a by-product of lithium mining.
NICKEL
Brazilian nickel production is primarily sustained by lateritic deposits developed over mafic–ultramafic complexes, distributed across saprolite- and limonite-dominated profiles and frequently enriched in cobalt. Among saprolitic deposits, in which nickel is concentrated in silicate minerals such as garnierite, the most notable production centers include Barro Alto and Niquelândia (GO), Onça Puma (PA), and Morro do Níquel (MG). Additional occurrences include the Jacaré project (PA), which remains under development, and occurrences in São João do Piauí (PI). Beyond laterites, Bahia hosts the Santa Rita deposit, an important example of magmatic nickel sulfide mineralization associated with mafic–ultramafic intrusions, in which nickel occurs chiefly in pentlandite and pyrrhotite and is commonly accompanied by copper and cobalt.
SILVER
Silver in Brazil is produced from different metallogenetic environments, including orogenic deposits and polymetallic systems, where it is recovered mainly as a by-product of lead, zinc, copper, and gold mineralization. In Minas Gerais, the Paracatu region and the Quadrilátero Ferrífero host gold mines from which silver is recovered as a by-product. A similar pattern is observed in Goiás at the Crixás deposits, and in Pará in projects associated with polymetallic mineralization in the Tapajós Province.
ZINC AND LEAD
Brazil hosts zinc and lead deposits associated with hydrothermal systems in Neoproterozoic carbonate and metasedimentary rocks, including carbonate-hosted mineralization with Mississippi Valley Type (MVT) affinities. In these environments, low-temperature saline fluids circulate through fractures and dissolution zones in limestones and dolomites, precipitating zinc and lead sulfides, commonly accompanied by pyrite, barite, and fluorite. To a lesser extent, stratiform deposits of the sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX) type, formed by submarine exhalations in Proterozoic basins, and volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits also occur.
Among the most significant operations, the Vazante mine represents the country's principal zinc producer. The Morro Agudo mine (MG) is currently depleted but still records ore sales in 2024, with production historically oriented toward zinc and lead recovery. In Mato Grosso, the Aripuanã mine—the largest lead producer in Brazil—operates through underground mining of
zinc, lead, copper, and silver concentrates. In Rondônia, polymetallic mineralization sustains a growing zinc and lead output, while in the Ribeira Valley (São Paulo/Paraná), carbonate-hosted deposits exploited since the 1940s continue to define a promising polymetallic belt.
CHROMIUM
Chromium deposits in Brazil are associated with Neoproterozoic ultramafic and ophiolitic complexes, comprising dunites and peridotites tectonically emplaced within metamorphic belts. Mineralization occurs as lenses and layers of chromitite, with chromite as the principal ore mineral, accompanied by olivine and pyroxene. In some regions, tropical weathering generates lateritic enrichment and secondary concentrations of chromium oxides; however, these generally lack the economic significance of the stratiform bodies. The country's main chromium-producing districts are concentrated in Bahia, in the Jacurici Valley and the Campo Formoso district, which account for the bulk of historical and current production. Another important hub is the Bacuri Complex in Amapá, which hosts chromite mineralization at significant scale.
TITANIUM
Titanium production in Brazil is associated with mafic–ultramafic magmatic bodies and coastal placers. In the former, titanium occurs as ilmenite and titaniferous magnetite, commonly associated with vanadium and iron, formed by magmatic segregation in Paleoproterozoic stratiform complexes. Coastal placers result from mechanical concentration of heavy minerals in Quaternary beaches and dunes and contain ilmenite and rutile. In Bahia, the Maracás district produces titanium as a by-product of vanadium mining. Along the Brazilian coastline, secondary deposits support operations directed toward the extraction of heavy-mineral sands. In Goiás, the Santa Bárbara de Goiás district concentrates the production of titaniferous magnetite and ilmenite, supplemented by more recent production records from the northern portion of the Goiás Magmatic Arc. In Rondônia, titanium production is recorded as a by-product of small-scale tin mining operations.
VANADIUM
Vanadium in Brazil is associated with stratiform magmatic deposits hosted in Paleoproterozoic mafic–ultramafic complexes formed by fractional crystallization of basaltic magmas. The ore occurs as vanadiferous magnetite, associated with ilmenite and titanomagnetite. Vanadium mineralization also occurs in mafic–ultramafic complexes and their derived laterites, albeit at low grades, and is typically economically viable only as a metallic by-product. The Maracás complex (BA), located in the interior of Bahia, sustains the only national mine that exploits a stratiform magmatic vanadium deposit, with titanium and iron recovered as co-products.
TUNGSTEN
Tungsten in Brazil occurs in metallogenetic environments related to hydrothermal veins derived from late-tectonic granites in Neoproterozoic metamorphic terranes. In these systems, tungsten occurs chiefly as wolframite and scheelite, concentrated in fractures and shear zones. Skarn deposits also occur, resulting from contact reactions between granites and carbonate rocks, with scheelite associated with garnet and pyroxene. Northeastern Brazil constitutes the country's principal tungsten-bearing province. Among the main producing areas, the Seridó region, spanning Rio Grande do Norte and Paraíba, stands out with active mines and artisanal workings associated with vein/greisen systems.
MOLYBDENUM
Molybdenum deposits in Brazil are associated with late-magmatic hydrothermal systems linked to Neoproterozoic granites. The principal ore mineral is molybdenite, which occurs in quartz veins, stockwork zones, and greisens, frequently accompanied by pyrite, chalcopyrite, and quartz–feldspar assemblages. The main occurrences are located in the Northeast and are often associated with tin, tungsten, and copper mineralization. The Serra da Caraíba region (BA) is currently the only source of declared molybdenum production, recovered as a byproduct from small-scale operations. These occurrences are related to veins and disseminated mineralization in metamorphic rocks hosting pegmatites and quartz veins, associated with granite-derived hydrothermal systems.
LITHIUM
Lithium in Brazil is primarily associated with peraluminous granitic pegmatites formed during the final stages of granite crystallization. The ore occurs chiefly as spodumene, lepidolite, petalite, and amblygonite, commonly accompanied by cassiterite and columbite–tantalite. These pegmatitic bodies exhibit strong structural control and commonly include disseminated mineralization and quartz–feldspar replacement zones. Lithium mining is concentrated in Minas Gerais: the Jequitinhonha Valley, in the northeastern part of the state, hosts the largest currently defined reserves and expanding operations, while the Campos das Vertentes region, near Nazareno, in the south-central part of the state, constitutes an additional production center. The Borborema Province displays high exploration potential, as it hosts numerous LCT-type pegmatites historically known for beryl and columbite–tantalite production and also prospective for lithium.
GRAPHITE
Graphite in Brazil occurs predominantly within metamorphic belts of the São Francisco Craton and the Borborema Province. The main deposits are of the metamorphic type, formed by the transformation of organic-rich sedimentary rocks during Proterozoic regional metamorphism. Graphite occurs as disseminations and lenses within graphitic schists, gneisses, and quartzites, and commonly as high-purity lamellar crystals associated with quartz, feldspar, and biotite. The Bahia–Minas Graphite Province accounts for the bulk of national graphite production, while in the central-western part of Minas Gerais, production comes from graphitic schists and phyllites associated with the Bambuí Group.
RARE EARTH ELEMENTS
The main rare earth element (REE) deposits in Brazil are associated with alkaline–carbonatitic complexes formed by magmatic differentiation and hydrothermal alteration, with REE mineralization hosted by minerals such as bastnäsite, monazite, and parisite. Tropical weathering promotes the development of lateritic deposits enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE), while ion-adsorption clay (IAC) mineralization in kaolinitic clays provides promising exploration targets. Coastal placers, remnants of historical monazite exploitation, complement this scenario. This diversity of geological settings provides the country with a broad prospective base, even though current production remains limited. The Serra Verde mine (GO), an ionic-clay operation, is currently the only active producer. Historically, coastal placers in Espírito Santo and Bahia play a significant role through monazite extraction but now occupy a secondary position.
PHOSPHATE
In Brazil, phosphate production occurs in carbonatitic, marine sedimentary, and lateritic deposits formed by magmatic, chemical, and supergene processes. In Minas Gerais, the Araxá, Tapira, and Serra do Salitre operations are prominent, exploiting alkaline–carbonatitic complexes rich in apatite, niobium, and rare earth elements. Also in Minas Gerais, Pratápolis hosts sedimentary mineralization in carbonate rocks of the Bambuí Group. In Goiás, Catalão produces apatite from classic carbonatitic systems, and in São Paulo, Cajati represents a comparable setting. Also in São Paulo, at Registro, phosphate occurs in shallow-marine sedimentary phosphorites. In Tocantins, the Arraias and Taipas areas host Neoproterozoic platformal sedimentary deposits. In Bahia, Angico dos Dias (Campo Alegre de Lourdes) hosts mineralization within carbonate successions. In Mato Grosso do Sul, Bonito (Serra da Bodoquena) hosts phosphate in carbonate rocks enriched by weathering, while in Pará, lateritic mineralization complements the overall scenario.
POTASSIUM
Potassium deposits in Brazil are predominantly evaporitic, formed by the evaporation of marine waters in sedimentary basins. The only operation currently in production is located in Sergipe, where potassium occurs as sylvinite and carnallite, associated with halite and anhydrite, in Cretaceous-age beds of the Sergipe–Alagoas Basin. The largest potassium deposits in Brazil, still unexploited, are associated with evaporitic beds of the Amazon Basin formed by the evaporation of restricted marine waters during the Permian, particularly in the Autazes region (AM), where sylvinite and carnallite deposits are identified at depth through drilling campaigns conducted by Petrobras and the SGB-CPRM (Geological Survey of Brazil).
CONCLUDING REMARKS
The results presented herein show that Brazil's mining sector combines a diversified mineral base with global relevance. Fully realizing this potential depends on continued modernization of mineral data management and stronger coordination among government agencies. These efforts improve the reliability, consistency, and usability of public databases. Turning fragmented datasets into strategic knowledge is essential to guide public policies that strengthen Brazil's position as a leading supplier of critical and strategic minerals for the energy transition and food security.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The author thanks Guilherme Ferreira, Head of the Economic Geology Division; Maisa Bastos, Head of the Mineral Resources Department; and Valdir Silveira, Director of Geology and Mineral Resources, for their guidance, support, and encouragement throughout this project. The author also acknowledges colleagues at the Geological Survey of Brazil (SGB-CPRM) for their contributions and insights, which supported the consolidation of the methodology and analyses presented herein.
