The energy transition, artificial intelligence, and geopolitical disputes are increasing the importance of minerals for the global economy and changing the conditions under which the mining sector operates. Demand for minerals is growing while investments, technology, regulation, security, and environmental and social impacts are gaining increasing weight in the sector's decisions.
In this new scenario, mineral reserves are no longer viewed merely as an economic advantage but have become strategic assets. The president of Anglo American in Brazil and chair of the Board of Directors of the Brazilian Mining Institute (IBRAM), Ana Sanches, stated that the concept of sovereignty has changed, shifting from territory to technology, industry, energy, and defense.
For Brazil, which has vast mineral and energy potential, the central question is how much of this wealth will be able to convert into investments, production, and higher value-added chains. The answer depends on several factors that still need to be defined.