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Brazilian government assesses that proposal discussed by G7 may keep the country in the role of raw material supplier, without ensuring industrialization, technology, and value addition within the national territory
Brazil is not expected to endorse the G7 text on critical minerals and rare earths, according to a report published by CNN Brazil, on the blog of journalist Américo Martins, on June 15, 2026.
The proposal under discussion among the G7 countries foresees the creation of cooperation mechanisms to ensure access to these strategic inputs. These materials are considered essential for the energy transition, the technology industry, and the production of military equipment.
The Brazilian position comes amid the advance of the global dispute for raw materials used in high-value sectors. Critical minerals and rare earths have gained importance in production chains linked to clean energy, industrial innovation, and international security.
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Government sees risk of Brazil continuing only as a raw material supplier
Representatives of the Brazilian government heard by CNN Brazil state that the text does not meet the country’s priority interests.
The internal assessment is that the proposal may consolidate an unfavorable international division. In this scenario, countries like Brazil would remain focused on exporting raw materials, while richer economies would keep the more profitable stages of the chain.
This perspective concerns the government because it limits the advancement of national industrialization. The Planalto believes that the exploitation of critical minerals needs to generate more value within Brazil, and not just supply external markets.
Brazilian strategy targets partnerships with productive investment
The declared intention of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva‘s government is to establish partnerships with all countries interested in the sector, without market reservation.
These partnerships, however, must include investments in the development of the Brazilian production chain. The priority is to attract projects capable of strengthening internal stages, such as processing, technology, industrial production, and value addition.
The strategy seeks to avoid a limited economic relationship. Brazil wants to negotiate its critical minerals but also intends to participate more significantly in the global chain involving energy, technology, and defense.
Brazil does not participate in drafting the G7 document
Brazil is not part of the G7. For this reason, the country does not participate in drafting the text and also does not have the right to suggest changes to the document.
Even outside the drafting, the Brazilian government could formally support the proposal. However, the tendency is that this support will not occur, according to CNN Brazil’s investigation.
The decision reinforces a clear diplomatic message. Brazil wants to expand international cooperation but does not intend to accept a model that places it only as an exporter of raw mineral wealth.
Lula’s agenda at the G7 will include trade and development
On the sidelines of the G7 summit, held in Évian-les-Bains, France, Lula will have bilateral commitments this Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
The Brazilian president is expected to meet with the Prime Minister of Japan, Sanae Takaichi. It is anticipated that the two governments will announce the start of negotiations for a free trade agreement between Japan and Mercosur.
Lula will also meet with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, António Costa. The meeting is expected to address recent restrictions imposed by the European Union on beef imports, related to sanitary requirements.
Speech should demand funding for poorer countries
Lula will also deliver his first speech before the G7 leaders in a session dedicated to funding for the development of poorer countries.
The speech is expected to criticize the recent reduction in international aid to the Global South. The president is also expected to advocate for greater commitment from wealthy nations to development policies.
The speech should mention the billions of dollars spent annually on armaments. The comparison will be made with urgent problems, such as combating hunger, which continue to lack sufficient resources.
Critical minerals become a test for Brazil’s global position
The Brazilian decision shows that the debate on critical minerals and rare earths goes beyond mining. The topic involves economic sovereignty, industry, technology, and international negotiation power.
The government tries to avoid the country repeating an old logic: exporting natural wealth in raw form and importing products with higher added value.
The position of not supporting the G7 text, therefore, places Brazil in a strategic dispute. The country wants to sell, negotiate, and attract partners, but also wishes to transform its minerals into industrial development at home.
What do you think should be a priority for Brazil: quickly selling critical minerals abroad or first investing in the national production chain to generate more value within the country? Leave your opinion!
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