By Giancarlo Silva
The National Mining Agency (ANM), the regulatory body for mining activities in Brazil, publicly provides relevant information about ongoing mining processes in the country. This data, accessible through ANM systems, is extremely important for consultants, companies, and other stakeholders interested in understanding the panorama of Brazilian mining and, particularly, the profile of the actors involved.
A query to ANM’s database reveals important information about the applicants and holders of mining processes in Brazil. As of October 18, 2024, ANM registered 239,683 active processes, distributed among 66,058 holders. These processes, combined, encompassed a total area of 209,411,059.40 hectares.
A raw analysis of this data shows the following relationships:
- Each person (individual/legal entity) holds an average of 3.628 processes;
- Each process has an average area of 873.70 ha; and
- Each person (individual/legal entity) holds an average of 3,170.10 ha.
However, these numbers, although relevant, do not reveal the complexity of the mining sector and the diversity of profiles that compose it. To delve deeper into the analysis and create a more accurate profile, we need to consider the phase in which each mining process is located. ANM classifies processes into different phases, each representing a specific stage in the development of a mining project.
Phase | Description |
| Authorization for Research | Mineral exploration in full execution, with experimental or non-experimental mining and research report submitted or not |
| Request for Mining | Resources and reserves calculated with a feasibility study submitted |
| Licensing | Special mining for substances defined by Law 6567/1978 |
| Request for Artisanal Mining | Request for mining of mineable substances |
| Request for Research | Request for authorization for research |
| Availability | Area offered through financial dispute or not |
| Mining Concession | In mining phase |
| Suitable for Availability | Awaits area offering through financial dispute or not |
| Request for Licensing | Request for special mining for substances defined by Law 6567/1978 |
| Right to Request Mining | Research report submitted and approved by ANM |
| Extraction Registration | Utilization of substances for public works |
| Artisanal Mining | Mining of mineable substances |
| Request for Extraction Registration | Request for the utilization of substances for public works |
| Geological Recognition | Pre-mineral research phase using airborne surveys |
| Undefined Phase | No observed phase |
An analysis of the distribution of processes across different phases provides a more detailed profile of the applicant/holder in Brazil. Of the 239,683 active processes, 97,525 (40.7% of the total) are in the Authorization for Research phase. These processes belong to 28,215 holders and cover an area of 112,471,504.88 hectares.
Companies or individuals who invest in identifying areas with mineral potential, collecting geological data, analyzing economic feasibility, and obtaining the necessary licenses to move forward with mining projects are part of the Authorization for Research phase.
In the Authorization for Research phase, we observe the following relationships:
- Each person (individual/legal entity) holds an average of 3.45 processes;
- Each process has an average area of 1,153.25 ha; and
- Each person (individual/legal entity) holds an average of 3,986.23 ha.
Comparing the overall data with the specific data for the Authorization for Research phase, we have:
| RELATION | NATIONAL | AUTHORIZATION FOR RESEARCH |
| Process/Person | 3,63 un | 3,46 un |
| Area/Process | 873,70 ha | 1.153,26 ha |
| Area/Person | 3.170,11 ha | 3.986,23 ha |
These numbers reinforce the profile of the applicant/holder of mining processes in Brazil as a fundamental actor in the development of the sector. It is from mineral research, conducted by these actors, that new deposits are discovered, new technologies are developed, and Brazilian mining becomes more efficient and sustainable.
