Billions Could be Invested in Brazil's Mining Industry by 2032

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Written by Amir Richani for IIR News Intelligence (Sugar Land, Texas)

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Summary

Brazil expects US$47.6 billion in mining investments through 2032, generating more than 48,000 jobs and leveraging its vast critical mineral resources for the energy transition.

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Large Investment Forecast

The Brazilian government estimates there will be 245.70 billion reais (US$47.6 billion) in mining investments nationwide by 2032, expected to generate more than 48,000 jobs.

In recent years, Brazil has focused on the mining industry as a strategic priority, aiming to attract international investment and expand local production.

Mining and critical minerals have also raised Brazil's profile in the global race to supply inputs for cleaner technologies and renewable energy, both of which are mineral-intensive.

"We are among the countries with the largest reserves and resources on the planet in high-quality iron ore, rare earths, niobium, lithium, copper and nickel, among others. I also stress our legal, economic, social, political and regulatory stability. I invite you to get to know the natural riches of our country, especially in Minas Gerais and Pará," said Brazil's Minister of Energy and Mines, Alexandre Silveira, during his visit to Riyadh's Future Mineral Forum in 2026.

Iron Ore Development in Brazil

About 111 billion reais (US$21.5 billion) is expected to be invested in iron ore projects from the official pipeline, generating close to 20,000 new jobs. Among the key projects to be developed is the iron ore project Ferro Verde, owned by Brazil Iron Mineracao, in the state of Bahia, which is set to cost 30.8 billion reais (US$7.5 billion) in investments and provide 19.6 million tonnes of new iron ore production per year. Subscribers to Industrial Info's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Project Database can learn more by viewing the related project reports.

Brazil is among the top two largest iron ore-producing countries, just behind Australia. The country's homegrown Vale is contending with Rio Tinto for the title of the largest worldwide producer of iron ore. In 2025, Vale produced 336.1 million tonnes of iron ore, the highest volume since 2018 and surpassing Rio Tinto's Pilbara production in Australia.

Including Ferro Verde, Industrial is tracking 173 iron ore mining projects in Brazil, totalling investments of US$25.63 billion.

Critical Minerals as an Investment Focus

Brazil hosts some of the largest reserves and production volumes of critical minerals central to the energy transition.

In terms of copper, for example, Brazil features reserves of 79 million tons or 8.1% of the world's reserves, according to the International Copper Study Group (ICSG). In 2025, Brazil produced about 384,000 tons of copper. The government expects copper projects to attract investments of 32.7 billion reais (about US$6.3 billion) by 2032 and roughly 515,000 tons per year.

Mining rare earths has become more important in Brazil as China overwhelmingly dominates the sector. Rare earths are critical for magnets, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) notes that Brazil has the world's second-largest rare earths reserves at 21 million tons but ranks ninth in production, with just 2,000 tons mined in 2025.

The government expects rare earth mining investments to reach 11.7 billion reais (US$2.2 billion) by 2032. Among the key projects is Meteoric Resources' Caldeira project, which will attract 1.6 billion reais (about US$309 million) in investment and deliver 5,000 tons of output per year.

Industrial Info has mapped at least 28 rare-earth-related projects in Brazil, totalling US$2.57 billion.

Brazil also ranks in the world's top ten reserves of lithium, nickel, niobium, vanadium, graphite, manganese and bauxite.

Everyone Wants a Piece of the Mine

Brazil has stepped up mineral cooperation with several foreign governments and investors since 2025, as it seeks to attract capital, technology and partnerships into the sector.

In 2025, Brazil's Ministry of Mines signed an action plan with China for the Cooperation on Sustainable Mining Development. This move helped promote developments between the two countries. In 2026, Brazil also signed mining cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia to attract more investment, knowledge exchange and cooperation. Meanwhile, the EU-Mercosur agreement could open the doors to European investors in South America.

Indsutrial is tracking 866 metals and minerals projects (excluding bricks and ceramics, cement plants and glass plants) worth investments of US$65.82 billion across Brazil.

Key Takeaways

• Brazil's government expects nearly US$47.6 billion in mining investments by 2032.
• The country holds large reserves of iron ore, copper, lithium, and rare earths.
• International players are setting their eyes on Brazil's mineral resources.

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About IIR News Intelligence
IIR News Intelligence is a trusted source of news for the industrial process and energy markets, powered by Industrial Info Resources' Global Market Intelligence (GMI).

About Industrial Info Resources
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, IIR is tracking over 250,000 current and future projects worth $30.2 Trillion (USD).