Brazil launches tender for new round of mineral exploration areas

Brazilian mining regulator ANM launched the tender to award up to 5,000 areas for mineral exploration.

"The process involves two stages, [the first being] the public offer phase, when it is possible to express interest in the areas, through the SOPLE platform. If there are two or more interested parties in the same area, the electronic auction stage takes place, in which the highest bidder acquires the right to explore or mine the area," ANM said in a statement.

The public offer stage, which has now started, will last until July 22.

"Expression of interest can be made in multiple areas. If there are two or more interested parties in the same area, the electronic auction stage will be between July 23 and July 31," it added.

Information about the areas available in the current round can be accessed at this link.

The rounds are part of the government's efforts to diversify mining production and attract more investment to the sector. Since 2022, when ANM began the processes, it has offered 16,869 areas.

Brazil's mining industry is highly dependent on a few products, with iron ore representing two-thirds of sector revenue followed by gold and copper.