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With Indications Of Lithium, Uranium, Rare Earths And Titanium Distributed In Different Regions, Formal Invitation From The United States For Meeting In Washington And A Regulatory Framework Still Being Debated, Paraguay Joins The Global Map Of Critical Minerals In A Time Of Strong Geopolitical And Energy Dispute
Recently, the Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy of Paraguay, Mauricio Bejarano, stated that global demand for critical minerals has heightened international interest in the country, following an invitation from the U.S. State Department for a ministerial meeting on February 4 in Washington, focused on technical cooperation and investments.
International Interest And Invitation To Washington
In an interview with ABC TV, Bejarano analyzed the growing external interest in strategic minerals and said that Paraguay is beginning to position itself on the global map due to favorable geological indicators. The formal invitation from the United States marks an initial step of dialogue.
The Deputy Minister clarified that the approach does not constitute a definitive agreement. It is, according to him, a process of technical cooperation, information exchange, and evaluation of opportunities to attract capital to the mineral sector, without binding commitments at this time.
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Technical Dialogue With The United States And Diplomatic Agenda
Bejarano informed that Chancellor Rubén Ramírez Lezcano will hold meetings in the United States to advance the understanding of elements of rare earths and other strategic minerals, focusing on training and sharing available data.
“This is a collaboration between the governments of the United States and Paraguay. We will discuss the development of human resources, share information, and explore ways to attract investments for mining,” said the Deputy Minister during the interview.
He emphasized that the global demand for critical minerals is “extremely high,” placing countries with geological potential, such as Paraguay, on the radar of major powers and investors.
The scenario enhances the country’s visibility in production chains linked to technology.
Critical Minerals And The Energy Transition
Bejarano highlighted that lithium, uranium, and copper have gained centrality due to their intensive use in technology and the transition to clean energy.
Lithium is essential for batteries, while uranium is part of electricity generation matrices in different countries.
“The whole world is migrating to electric energy. Given the great need for energy, minerals play a central role. Energy can even be generated from uranium,” said the Deputy Minister, relating energy demand and mining.
He added that the country has confirmed resources of uranium, although the reserves are not yet certified. There are also prospects for rare earths, in addition to the exploration of lithium and copper in the Chaco, with results considered encouraging.
Currently, gold is the only mineral regularly extracted in Paraguay. Expanding the mineral portfolio is seen by the government as a vector for industrialization, job creation, and attracting large energy-intensive companies.
Energy Policy And National Development
According to Bejarano, the national energy policy was developed by Paraguayan professionals trained abroad and knowledgeable about the local reality. The guideline is to develop natural resources as a basis for the country’s productive growth.
“We know we have to develop our natural resources. We will proceed with the country’s development, regardless of ideological beliefs,” he stated. He said energy and critical minerals will be fundamental in the coming years.
The Deputy Minister emphasized the need for planning, regulation, and sustainability to transform geological potential into economic results. The strategy seeks to align mining, energy, and attracting long-term investments.
Underground Inventory And Geological Indications
Publications from the Vice Ministry of Mines and Energy and studies from Conacyt indicate the presence of minerals associated with global high technology in Paraguayan territory.
Rare earth elements, such as niobium and neodymium, appear in carbonatite complexes in the Amambay department, especially in Cerro Sarambí and Chirigüelo, extending towards Canindeyú and San Pedro.
Known as “seeds of technology,” these elements are vital for permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced defense systems, according to studies cited by the government.
Titanium has been detected in massive deposits in the red soils of Alto Paraná. Initial estimates indicate investments exceeding US$ 1.5 billion, with the potential to position the country as a global leader in this segment.
Uranium has been certified in the Yuty project in Caazapá, with an estimate of 4,800 tons, and in Coronel Oviedo, in Caaguazú, where the potential could double the previous volume. Lithium was found in saline groundwater in the Chaco.
Economic Weight Of Mining Still Limited
Despite the map of indications, mining accounts for only 0.087% of the national GDP. In the global index of mining contribution, Paraguay ranks 189th among 205 countries, highlighting the gap between potential and effective exploration.
This data reinforces the challenge of converting geological resources into economic activity while maintaining technical and environmental criteria. The government recognizes the need for reliable information to mitigate risks and guide investments.
Environmental Risks And Legal Limitations
Environmental lawyer Ezequiel Santagada warned that while prospecting presents limited impacts, risks increase during the exploration phase. He pointed out fragility in the current legal structure for environmental assessment.
“The magnitude of these impacts cannot be resolved by the current legal structure, which applies the same rules to a gas station and large-scale mining,” said Santagada, advocating for regulatory adjustments.
The criticism highlights the need for specific frameworks for large-scale mining, with evaluations proportional to the risks and mitigation mechanisms. Without this, attracting capital may face resistance and legal insecurity.
Regulatory Modernization And Private Sector Vision
To attract large investments, Paraguay needs to modernize its legislation, deemed an obstacle by the sector. The Chamber of Mining of Paraguay shares this assessment and advocates for legal and fiscal stability.
The president of Capami, Víctor Fernández Crosa, stated last year that the country should adopt models like that of Peru, with realistic deadlines for high-risk investments, ranging from 8 to 10 years.
Constitutionally, ownership of minerals belongs to the State, which can grant concessions for a limited time. The balance between state control and private incentives is central to advancing the sector.
Mining Code, Regional Comparisons And Governance
Bejarano reported that advances are being made on a new mining code to modernize Law No. 3.180/07, focusing on critical minerals. The aim is to update rules and align the country with current market demands.
However, the private sector believes that regulations such as Decree 8699/2018 represent a setback and hinder investments. The divergence exposes a regulatory maze still under construction.
As Paraguay advances, neighbors are already competing. Brazil has 21 million tons in reserves and received US$ 465 million from the U.S. Development Finance Corporation for the Serra Verde project, already in commercial production.
Argentina has identified rare earth resources estimated at 190,000 tons and attracts capital via the RIGI regime. Bolivia holds the world’s largest lithium reserves but accounts for only 0.05% of global production, due to technical barriers.
Geological Service And Long-Term Perspective
The success of the strategy will depend on the creation of a fully operational National Geological Service capable of generating systematic and reliable information about the underground, reducing uncertainties for investors and the State.
The expectation is to transform the “invisible gold” of rare earths into a sustainable reality for Paraguayan development. The challenge involves governance, technical data, modern regulation, and attention to environmental impacts, in a gradual and planned process.
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