In 2023, Brazil’s mining sector saw a slight income decrease, earning 248.2 billion reais ($49.8 billion).
This represented a 0.7% reduction from the previous year. A drop in global prices for mining goods caused this decrease.
The Brazilian Mining Institute (Ibram) shared these findings.
Exports from the sector grew, reaching $43 billion, a 3.1% increase. The volume of materials sold rose by 9.5% to 392 million tons.
Iron ore, making up 71% of exports, saw a 10% rise in volume and a 5.7% increase in value despite lower raw material prices.
Mineral imports were valued at $11.02 billion, down by 34.2%, yet the quantity rose by 4.7% to 42 million tons.
Lower prices and exchange rate changes explained the drop in value. Potash was the leading import, comprising 46% of the total.
The sector’s tax revenue slightly fell by 0.71%, totaling 85.6 billion reais ($17.18 billion).
Raul Jungmann, Ibram’s president, revealed investment forecasts are up. From $50 billion for 2023/2027, projections rise to $64.5 billion for 2024/2028, marking a 28.8% increase.
This growth is crucial. It reflects the rising global demand for minerals, especially those critical for renewable energy technologies like batteries, wind turbines, and solar panels.
Brazil, rich in such critical materials, stands to benefit significantly.
The International Energy Agency predicts the renewable technology market could grow from $320 billion in 2022/2023 to $1.2 trillion by 2030.
Jungmann sees this as Brazil’s opportunity for a brighter future.